Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 8, 2026

Quantitative Assessment of Cortical Auditory-tactile Processing in Children with Disabilities
Published on: January 29, 2014
Correlational Research to Examine the Relation Between Attachment and Sensory Modulation in Young Children
Deborah A Whitcomb1, Ricardo C Carrasco2, Ariela Neuman3
1Deborah A. Whitcomb, PhD, MBA, OTR/L, is President, Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Institute, Cincinnati, OH, and was PhD candidate, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, at the time of this study; debw@cintiOTinstitute.com.
Abstract:
This study investigated whether a relation exists between attachment and sensory modulation in young children. Participants were 68 children ages 3-6 yr recruited through the local community. Caregivers were asked to complete a standardized behavioral inventory of sensory modulation patterns, and parent-child interactions were observed in their home. The evaluator categorized these interactions on the basis of items related to attachment security and dependency. Results revealed modest correlations between attachment and sensory modulation: rs(66)=.28, p=.02. The capacity to predict sensory modulation function by attachment characteristics and the capacity to predict attachment characteristics by sensory modulation function was significant but small (p<.05). These findings supporting a relation between attachment and sensory modulation should be considered when assessing and planning treatment of children with problems in one or both of these areas.
Related Concept Videos
Attachment
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Attachment Styles
Hazan and Shaver's Attachment Styles
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types

