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Correlates of attachment at age 3: construct validity of the preschool attachment classification system

Ellen Moss1, Jean-François Bureau, Chantal Cyr

  • 1Department of Psychology, Université du Québec a Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. moss.ellen@uqam.ca

Developmental Psychology
|May 5, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This study validates the Preschool Attachment Classification System (PACS) for 3-year-olds. Securely attached children showed better interactions, while disorganized children exhibited more behavioral issues, supporting PACS

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Attachment Theory

Background:

  • Attachment security in early childhood is crucial for socio-emotional development.
  • Validating assessment tools for preschool attachment is essential for early intervention.
  • Preschool separation-reunion protocols offer insights into child-caregiver relationship dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To validate the Preschool Attachment Classification System (PACS) in 3-year-olds.
  • To examine correlates of attachment classifications with child behavior and maternal psychosocial factors.
  • To further understand the behavioral manifestations of different attachment patterns in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • A separation-reunion protocol was administered to 150 three-year-olds and their mothers.
  • The Preschool Attachment Classification System (PACS) was used to classify attachment security.
  • Mothers completed psychosocial measures; mothers and teachers reported on child behavior problems.

Main Results:

  • Secure and disorganized attachment groups differed significantly in mother-child interaction quality.
  • Disorganized children displayed higher teacher-reported externalizing and internalizing problems compared to secure children.
  • Mothers of insecure children reported increased behavioral issues and specific psychosocial concerns.

Conclusions:

  • The Preschool Attachment Classification System (PACS) is a valid measure of attachment in 3-year-olds.
  • Attachment security is associated with observable interaction patterns and behavioral outcomes.
  • Early identification of attachment patterns can inform targeted support for children and families.

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