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Longitudinal and concurrent relationships between caregiver-child behaviours in the vaccination context and preschool

Monica C O'Neill1, Rebecca Pillai Riddell1,2,3, Jean-François Bureau4

  • 1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Pain
|October 3, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Caregiver behaviors during infant and preschool vaccinations influence child attachment. Attuned caregiving, especially during vaccination pain, is crucial for secure attachment development in early childhood.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Attachment Theory

Background:

  • Childhood vaccinations are a common source of acute pain and distress.
  • Attachment security is a critical aspect of child development.
  • Understanding the interplay between caregiver-child interactions during vaccination and attachment outcomes is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationships between caregiver-child behaviors during infant and preschool vaccinations and preschool attachment outcomes.
  • To investigate longitudinal and concurrent associations between vaccination-related behaviors and attachment.
  • To explore the impact of infant and preschooler pain behaviors on attachment.

Main Methods:

  • Two studies were conducted: Study 1 (longitudinal, n=84) examined infant vaccination behaviors and preschool attachment. Study 2 (concurrent, n=117) examined preschool vaccination behaviors and attachment.
  • Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were employed to analyze the data.
  • Caregiver behaviors (sensitivity, soothing) and child pain behaviors were assessed during routine vaccinations.

Main Results:

  • Infant caregiver sensitivity and soothing during vaccination predicted preschooler attachment (avoidance, ambivalence).
  • Infant pain distress post-vaccination was linked to higher preschooler security and lower disorganization/controlling attachments.
  • During preschool vaccinations, caregiver sensitivity predicted higher preschooler attachment security.

Conclusions:

  • Child-caregiver behavioral patterns during routine infant and preschool vaccinations are related to preschool attachment patterns.
  • The findings highlight the importance of attuned caregiving during vaccination pain for child development.
  • Health professionals should support and teach attuned caregiving strategies to parents during vaccination.

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