Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
05:32

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos

Published on: December 7, 2018

Attachment and attention: protection in relation to gender and cumulative social-contextual adversity

R M Pasco Fearon1, Jay Belsky

  • 1Department of Psychology, University College London, University of London, London WC1E 6BT, UK. p.fearon@ucl.ac.uk

Child Development
|November 30, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Children with secure attachment show better attention, especially when facing risks like male gender or adversity. This protective effect was not seen in maternal reports of attention problems.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Attachment security is crucial for child development.
  • Attentional performance is influenced by various risk factors.
  • Understanding protective factors for attention is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interrelation between attachment security and attentional performance.
  • To examine how male gender and social-contextual adversity impact attentional performance.
  • To determine if attachment security moderates the effects of risk factors on attention.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 918 children in the NICHD Study of Early Child Care.
  • Assessed attachment using the Strange Situation at 15 months.
  • Measured attentional performance via Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and maternal questionnaires at 54 months.
  • Quantified social-contextual adversity from birth to 54 months.

Main Results:

  • Children with secure attachment demonstrated reduced susceptibility to the negative effects of cumulative risk and gender on CPT performance.
  • Insecure attachment was associated with greater vulnerability to these risk factors.
  • No differential susceptibility was observed for maternal reports of attention-related behavior problems.

Conclusions:

  • Secure attachment may act as a protective factor, buffering against risks to objective attentional performance.
  • Findings highlight the importance of early attachment for cognitive outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to understand discrepancies between objective performance and subjective reports.

More Related Videos

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults08:25

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults

Published on: October 19, 2014

Protocol for Studying Extinction of Conditioned Fear in Naturally Cycling Female Rats09:07

Protocol for Studying Extinction of Conditioned Fear in Naturally Cycling Female Rats

Published on: February 23, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development01:30

Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development

Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood03:34

Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood

Attachment is a long-standing connection or bond with others. While Attachment Theory was conceived in developmental psychology to describe infant-caregiver bonding, it's been extended into adulthood to include romantic relationships.
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
Attachment Styles01:24

Attachment Styles

Jeffrey Simpson's attachment theory suggests that early caregiver relationships shape lasting patterns of behavior and emotional regulation, known as attachment styles. These patterns are organized along two key dimensions: self-esteem and interpersonal trust. The intersection of these dimensions produces four primary attachment styles that typically persist throughout life and significantly influence how individuals form and maintain relationships.Secure Attachment StyleIndividuals with a...
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction01:21

Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction

Physical attractiveness plays a crucial role in shaping interpersonal attraction, influencing first impressions, social interactions, and long-term relationship dynamics. Psychological research consistently demonstrates that attractiveness affects social evaluations and behavioral outcomes in various contexts.Influence on Social InteractionsResearch has shown that individuals perceived as physically attractive often experience preferential treatment in social and professional settings. One...
Relationship Formation02:12

Relationship Formation

What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...