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Attachment in institutionalized children: a review and meta-analysis
Francesca Lionetti1, Massimiliano Pastore2, Lavinia Barone1
1Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy.
Child Abuse & Neglect
|March 10, 2015
Summary
Institutionalized children show higher rates of insecure and disorganized attachment compared to family-reared children. Key risk factors include country of origin and early institutional entry, impacting child development.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Attachment Theory
Background:
- Attachment patterns are crucial for child development.
- Institutionalization can disrupt typical attachment formation.
- Previous research indicates varied attachment outcomes in institutionalized children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and meta-analyze attachment patterns in institutionalized children.
- To determine the prevalence of secure, insecure, and disorganized attachment.
- To explore moderators affecting attachment in this population.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 399 institutionalized children.
- Classical and Bayesian meta-analysis techniques were employed.
- Moderating variables included country, assessment procedure, and age at entry/assessment.
Main Results:
- Attachment distribution: 18% secure, 28% insecure, 54% disorganized/cannot classify.
- Institutionalized children had higher risks for insecure (d=0.77) and disorganized (d=0.76) attachment.
- Insecure attachment linked to specific assessment methods and Eastern European origin; disorganized attachment linked to early entry and young age at assessment.
Conclusions:
- Children in institutional settings are at significantly higher risk for insecure and disorganized attachment.
- Factors such as country of origin and early institutionalization age are critical moderators.
- Findings have implications for improving care and policies for institutionalized children.
