Latin American Attachment studies: A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Cross-Cultural Psychology
• Attachment Theory Research

Background:

• Attachment theory's core hypotheses are widely assumed to be universal.
• Most attachment research originates from Western countries, leaving a gap in understanding its applicability in other regions.
• The extent to which attachment theory's principles are supported by research in Latin America remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and discuss empirical studies on attachment theory conducted in Latin American countries.
• To integrate findings regarding attachment patterns, caregiver sensitivity, and child outcomes within the Latin American context.

Main Methods:

• A systematic narrative literature review was conducted.
• Searches were performed across four major electronic databases: Web of Science, PsycInfo, SciELO, and Redalyc.
• Eighty-two publications focusing on attachment and/or caregiver sensitivity met the inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• No studies reported the absence of attachment relationships; secure attachment predominated, especially in non-risk samples (NRS).
• Caregiver sensitivity was generally adequate in NRS and positively correlated with attachment quality.
• Attachment security and caregiver sensitivity were linked to positive child outcomes, and intervention studies demonstrated efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Current Latin American research supports the fundamental assumptions of attachment theory, particularly within urban, middle-class, non-risk samples.
• Attachment-based interventions in the region have shown promising results.
• Future research should explore caregiving within Latin American contexts, integrating local concepts and theories to enhance the field.