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Related Experiment Video

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Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children

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Published on: March 1, 2019

Attachment, self-worth, and peer-group functioning in middle childhood.

Cathryn Booth-Laforce¹, Wonjung Oh, Angel Hayoung Kim

¹University of Washington, Seattle 98195-7920, USA. ibcb@u.washington.edu

Attachment & Human Development

|December 21, 2006

Summary

Children

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Area of Science:

Developmental Psychology
Attachment Theory
Social Neuroscience

Background:

Attachment security in middle childhood is crucial for social development.
Understanding the differential impact of maternal and paternal attachment is important.
Peer functioning is a key indicator of social adjustment during childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between attachment security to mothers and fathers and peer-group functioning in 10-year-olds.
To explore the mediating role of self-worth in the attachment-social competence link.
To examine gender differences in attachment security and peer relations.

Main Methods:

Cross-sectional study involving 73 10-year-olds (37 girls).
Assessed children's perceptions of security with parents, coping styles, and self-worth.
Collected peer-related behavioral data from classmates, teachers, and mothers.

Main Results:

Attachment security to both parents correlated with higher social competence ratings.
Greater security with fathers was linked to reduced aggression.
Self-worth mediated the association between attachment security and social competence.
Children reported higher security with mothers than fathers; no gender effects found.

Conclusions:

Secure attachment to both parents supports positive peer functioning in middle childhood.
Self-worth is a key factor linking early attachment experiences to social competence.
Attachment security is not uniform across parents, with mothers often perceived as more secure bases.