Attachment and Its Impact over Three Generations

Attachment parameters affect the development of self-concept and relationship patterns. However, studies on the impact of attachment parameters on symptoms of the offspring in childhood are still lacking. We therefore investigated the influence of attachment parameters of the grandparents on those of the parents treated in a psychiatric hospital, and finally on the symptoms of their (grand)children. Furthermore, the impact of attachment factors on parenting style and on resilience of parents and children has been examined.

A sample of n=50 mother-child-dyads in an inpatient setting was examined using the questionnaires FEB (Questionnaire on the Parental Attachment; adult and child perspective), RQ2 (Relationship Questionnaire), EFB-K (Educational Questionnaire, short form), RS13 (Resilience Scale; adult and child perspective), and CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist). Regression analyses and correlation analyses were carried out.

On grandparents' level, attachment patterns predicted parents' attachment patterns (p=0.012): Grandfather's care (control) behavior correlated with more (less) mother's care for their own children (0.002 (0.005)). Control behavior of the grandfather was negatively correlated with the resilience of their daughters (p=0.033). On parents' level, a secure attachment style predicted a less overreacting parenting style (p=0.004), whereas an anxious-avoiding (p=0.035) or clinging attachment style (p=0.044) predicted an increased overreacting parenting style. On child's level, mental (esp. attentional (p=0.013) and externalizing (p=0.032)) symptoms correlated negatively with the level of care reported by the mother.

Functional attachment behavior at the grandparents' level correlated significantly with functional attachment behavior at the parental level, which in turn correlated with reduced mental symptoms at the child's level. The parenting style seems to play a mediator role for the development of attachment between mother and child, with resilience mediating between attachment and the onset of mental disorders. The results point to the crucial role of attachment parameters for mental development with corresponding implications for psychotherapy.