Attachment outcomes of 31 maltreatment cases (involving extreme neglect or abuse), selected from a total poverty sample of 267 high-risk mothers and their children, were compared to those of a subsample of 33 cases with a history of excellent care. Attachment was assessed when infants were 12 and 18 months old. (Author/MP)

Demonstrated that abused mothers who broke the abusive cycle were significantly more likely than mothers who did not to have: received emotional support from a nonabusive adult during childhood; participated in therapy at some time; or experienced a nonabusive, stable, emotionally supportive, and satisfying relationship with a mate. (RJC)

Explored the stability of attachment security and representations from infancy to early adulthood in a high risk sample. Found no evidence for significant continuity between infant and adult attachment, but rather a lawful discontinuity, with many participants transitioning to insecurity. Continuous and discontinuous groups were differentiated on…