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A review of attachment theory in the context of adolescent parenting

Serena Cherry Flaherty1, Lois S Sadler

  • 1The Door - Adolescent Health Center, 121 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013, USA. scherry@aya.yale.edu

Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners
|February 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Attachment theory highlights secure infant-mother bonds, crucial for child development. Specialized support can improve secure attachment rates for infants of adolescent mothers.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Attachment Theory
  • Adolescent Parenting

Background:

  • Attachment theory posits that secure maternal-infant bonds provide a secure base for infant exploration.
  • Secure attachment is linked to positive cognitive, social, and behavioral outcomes.
  • Insecure attachment is associated with adverse developmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review attachment theory.
  • To examine the attachment perspective in relation to adolescent mothers and their children.
  • To explore factors influencing secure attachment in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of attachment theory.
  • Analysis of the impact of adolescent parenthood on maternal behaviors.
  • Examination of the role of specialized support systems.

Main Results:

  • Adolescent parenthood can impede the development of maternal capacities for secure attachment.
  • Infants of adolescent mothers are at risk for insecure attachment.
  • Specialized support can facilitate secure attachment in infants of adolescent mothers.

Conclusions:

  • Secure attachment is vital for child development, offering long-term benefits.
  • Interventions supporting adolescent mothers can enhance secure attachment rates.
  • Addressing developmental disruptions in adolescent mothers is key to fostering secure infant-mother relationships.

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