Examining links between an early intervention, attachment, and peer relations at age nine among child protective services (CPS)-referred children
Date
2020
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The current study examined attachment during infancy and middle childhood as a predictor of peer relations at age nine among a sample of Child Protective Services (CPS)-referred children. The current study also explored whether an attachment-based intervention delivered in infancy (i.e., Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up; ABC) was related to peer relations, and whether attachment in infancy or middle childhood mediated these intervention effects. Participants included 83 children. Attachment was assessed using the Strange Situation in infancy and the Kerns Security Scale in middle childhood. Children’s emotion expression, verbal and non-verbal behaviors with peers were assessed during frustration and positive collaboration tasks when children were approximately 9-years-old (Mage = 9.45, SD = .35). Disorganized attachment did not predict any peer relations variables at age nine. Children with insecure attachments in infancy demonstrated happiness for significantly more time and neutral affect for significantly less time during the collaboration tasks than children with secure attachments. Children with insecure attachments also gave more commands during the frustration tasks than children with secure attachments. These effects persisted even when controlling for attachment in middle childhood. Perceived attachment security ratings at age nine were significantly and positively associated with discouraging statements during frustration tasks, and significantly and negatively associated with disengagement during collaboration tasks. Last, ABC did not have a significant direct effect on engagement during positive collaboration tasks, but its indirect effect via perceived attachment security ratings was marginally significant. The present study highlights the importance of including observational assessments of peer relations, assessing attachment at multiple timepoints, and intervening early to promote attachment relationships.
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Keywords
Early intervention, Attachment, Peer relations, Child Protective Services