Parental attachment style: examination of links with parent secure base provision and adolescent secure base use

Abstract

The secure base construct is a core aspect of attachment theory and, according to Bowlby (1988), represents one of attachment theory’s most important contributions to our understanding of parent-child relationships and child development. The present study represents the first examination of how parents’ self-reported attachment styles relate to parental secure base provision and adolescent (Mage = 16.6 years, SE = .59) secure base use during an observed parent-adolescent interaction. Further, the present study is the first to examine how fathers’, as well as mothers’, attachment styles relate to observed behavior in a parent-child interaction. At the bivariate level, maternal avoidance, but not anxiety, was negatively associated with observed adolescent secure base use. In addition, path analysis revealed that maternal avoidance was indirectly related to less adolescent secure base use through mothers’ self-reported hostile behavior toward their adolescents and through adolescents’ less positive perceptions of their mothers. Further, paternal anxiety, but not avoidance, was indirectly related to less adolescent secure base use through fathers’ self-reported hostile behavior toward their adolescents. No significant findings emerged in relation to parental secure base provision. We discuss these results in the context of attachment theory and suggest directions for future research.

The mediating role of perceived peer support in the relation between quality of attachment and internalizing problems in adolescence: a longitudinal perspective

“…Conversely, as the present data has underlined, in insecure attachment styles (both preoccupied and fearful), the inability to integrate different types of information regarding the relationship with caregiver may lead to negative expectations about others and problems in social functioning (Raby et al, 2015). These data are consistent with 380 previous studies, confirming that, because of early interactions and following internal models regarding attachment, a secure adolescent develops an adaptive style in order to process emotions and relationship skills that are better suited to positive social interactions (Jones & Cassidy, 2014).…”

Individual and gender differences in mindful parenting: The role of attachment and caregiving representations

“…In fact, higher levels of avoidance have been found to be associated with more negative working models of the self as a caregiver (i.e., lower levels of perceived ability to provide help and to recognize others' needs) and with a more negative evaluation of others as worthy of help (Reizer & Mikulincer, 2007). Because avoidant individuals have difficulty assuming caregiving roles and are not motivated to do so, they tend to be less sensitive and responsive and to behave in a less warm, close, and supportive manner toward their children (Edelstein et al, 2004;Jones & Cassidy, 2014;Jones et al, 2015;Rholes, Simpson, & Blakely, 1995). In comparison, anxiously attached individuals tend to be selfcentered, to worry about their own attachment needs and to feel extremely distressed when other people need their assistance .…”

“…Specifically, securely attached individuals are best able to effectively care for others, including their children, because they have positive representations of the self and of others, feel comfortable with intimacy and closeness, and use adequate emotion regulation strategies that allow them to maintain their emotional balance while providing support to others Reizer & Mikulincer, 2007). Secure parents are therefore well equipped and motivated to provide sensitive and responsive care to their children (Bowlby, 1969;Jones & Cassidy, 2014;Jones et al, 2015;. In contrast, avoidant individuals tend to react in a cold and unresponsive manner when others need their assistance Mikulincer, Shaver, Gillath, & Nitzberg, 2005).…”

“…One key factor may be parents' attachment representations. It is widely recognized that parents' attachment representations play a key role in parenting behaviors (George & Solomon, 1999;Jones & Cassidy, 2014;Jones et al, 2015;, although the associations between parental attachment and mindful parenting and the mechanisms that may mediate this relationship have not yet been investigated.…”

Parent Training Based on the Choice Theory: Analysis of its Impact on Mothers’ Sense of Self-efficacy and their Conflicts with their Daughters

“…This sudden development causes stranger feeling in adolescence (2). Sigmund and Anna Freud believe that the revival of sexual drives to parents is the reason for adolescence crisis (3). The conceptions of invulnerability, numerous information resources accessibility, and change in him/her perception about parental power (4) which had been ideal and faultless, with a desire for independence in spite of dependency to parents, according to Hall , would lead to a period of emotional pressure that causes conflicts between generations (2).…”