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Comparing two attachment classification methods applied to preschool strange situations

Susan Spieker1, Patricia McKinsey Crittenden

  • 1Center on Infant Mental Health & Development University of Washington, Box 357920 Seattle, WA 98195-7920, USA. spieker@u.washington.edu

Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry
|November 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study found that two attachment classification methods, MacArthur (MAC) and Preschool Assessment of Attachment (PAA), showed only 50% agreement. The PAA method was more sensitive to demographic and child predictors than the MAC method.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Attachment Theory
  • Child Behavior Assessment

Background:

  • Attachment theory is crucial for understanding child development.
  • The Strange Situation procedure is a key method for assessing attachment.
  • Different classification systems exist, potentially leading to varied interpretations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the MacArthur (MAC) and Preschool Assessment of Attachment (PAA) methods.
  • To determine if MAC and PAA operationalize converging or diverging approaches to attachment.
  • To examine the relationship between these classifications and child/family predictors and later outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Classified 306 preschool-aged children's Strange Situation behaviors using MAC and PAA.
  • Analyzed agreement between the two classification methods.
  • Examined associations with demographic, child, and family predictors.
  • Investigated links between classifications and child outcomes in early elementary grades.

Main Results:

  • MAC and PAA methods showed 50% agreement.
  • Demographic, child, and family predictors explained 19% of PAA variance but none for MAC.
  • Both methods associated with child outcomes, with PAA showing stronger links (12% vs. 5% variance).
  • Some MAC associations contradicted hypotheses.

Conclusions:

  • The MAC and PAA methods are sufficiently different, reflecting distinct theoretical understandings of attachment.
  • PAA appears more sensitive to contextual factors than MAC.
  • Findings have implications for clinical practice and highlight limitations in current attachment assessment measures.

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