DYADIC DISTRESS MANAGEMENT PREDICTS SUBSEQUENT SECURITY OF ATTACHMENT

The purpose of this study was to examine methodologically independent infant, maternal, and dyadic variables to predict security of attachment. The subjects were 52 mothers and their firstborn infants from middle- to upper-middle-class backgrounds. Prenatal assessment of maternal characteristics included measures of depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy. Infant characteristics were assessed via a standardized laboratory procedure at 3 months of age. Dyadic behaviors were observed in the home also at 3 months of age. At 12 months of age, security of attachment was assessed in the Strange Situation procedure. Results indicate that prenatal maternal anxiety and dyadic behaviors involving distress management were the best predictors of security of attachment. This study provides support for the role of maternal characteristics measured in the prenatal period as well as mother-infant dyadic patterns involving distress management in determining subsequent security of attachment.