LE3 .A278 2014

2014

Symons, Doug

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Psychology

Psychology

The current study used an attachment theory approach to examine the interrelations of child-parent attachment security, sensitive parenting, adult attachment style, and play behaviour in high psychosocial risk families. Participants consisted of sixteen mothers and their two to seven year-old children. During a laboratory visit, pairs engaged in play behaviour with a doctor’s kit, which was recorded and later transcribed, and words were coded for talk about thoughts and feelings. Mothers also completed a measure of adult attachment style within their romantic relationship. In addition, observational Q-sorts were completed of attachment security and maternal sensitivity after a follow-up home visit. As expected, sensitivity and security were positively related, even after controlling for language abilities. There was also a trend for romantic avoidance to be negatively related to talk about thoughts and feelings, and those families with maltreatment histories were less likely to be sensitive and securely attached than families without.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1091