Examined infants' emotionality, inside and outside of the relationship with the mother, and mothers' responsiveness as predictors of reunion behaviors in the Strange Situation. Found that children's separation distress mediated influence of predictors and itself predicted reunion behaviors. When distress was controlled, some responses generally…

This study investigated whether behavioral inhibition is best conceptualized as a continuous variable or as a distinct typology with two or more subcategories. The following data were gathered on 58 infants at 5, 7, 10, and 13 months of age; physiological functioning (cardiovascular activity and salivary cortisol); emotional expressivity in…

This document consists of a compilation of three separate 4-page brochures by the same authors: (1) understanding babies and toddlers; (2) understanding three to six-year olds; (3) disciplining preschoolers. The first brochure covers bonding and attachment, infant temperament, patterns of growth, and the characteristics of children during the…

Using the Ainsworth Strange Situation Procedure, a study examined the interrelations between dimensions of emotion and social interactive behaviors to explore the regulatory role of each in mother-infant interaction and how these roles may change in the second year. (HOD)

Examined the concurrent and cross-time relations of parents' warmth and positive expressivity to elementary school children's situational facial and self-reported empathic responding, social competence, and externalizing problems. Found that parents' positive expressivity mediated the relation between parental warmth and children's empathy, and…

The associations between gender-role conflict, masculine role stress, parental attachment, and conflict with parents are explored among college men (N=195). Results of a canonical correlational analysis were generally consistent with contemporary theoretical literature. Three significant variate pairs emerged and are discussed. (Author/EMK)

The relationship between perceived parental bonding to maternal and paternal primary caregivers and current psychological functioning was examined among adult female sexual abuse survivors (N=78). Although overall poorer adjustment was found, high paternal care was significantly associated with better psychological functioning. Data are discussed…

Discusses the role of a study of atypical patterns of attachment behavior for the understanding of attachment theory, parenting, and child socioemotional development. Notes that research on atypical attachments suggest that the developmental integration of biological, psychological, and behavioral responses is more profoundly dependent on social-…

Examined extent to which parent sensitivity, infant affect, and affect regulation at 4 months predicted mother- and father-infant attachment classifications at 1 year. Found that affect regulation and maternal sensitivity discriminated infant-mother attachment groups. The association between maternal sensitivity and infant-mother attachment was…

School completion and dropping out of school are developmental processes with strong social and emotional antecedents. The early development of attachment bonds, and subsequent positive and negative behaviors and relationships set an early path toward school completion or drop out. Discusses ways to enhance emotional bonds before and during the…

The paper examines the meaning of transitional objects and attachment to significant others in 18 severely retarded children (mean age 5.2 years). Five case studies illustrate that the use of objects and attachments can be seen as a normal phenomenon and that often the children are responding appropriately to emotional events with behaviors near…

Discusses the problem of children who don't want to begin school, and lists ways parents can help their child make a smooth transition from home to school. (SB)

Clinicians and researchers are beginning to acknowledge the importance of integrating a developmental perspective into the understanding of clinical disorders. Major gaps still exist between basic research on attachment processes and clinical issues regarding mental disorders. Reflecting growth in this direction, National Institute of Mental…

Analyzes treasured possessions and their meanings in adolescence, including their relation to those treasured during early life and their relation to self-identity. Subjects were 14- to 18-year-old high school students (n=249). Results showed that males' most treasured possessions embodied enjoyment and instrumental meanings, whereas females'…

Examined association of adult attachment styles and Rusbult's investment model of relationships. Responses from 239 participants indicated those who are securely attached experience greater satisfaction, fewer costs, and greater commitment in their relationships than do other attachment groups. Other findings and implications for counseling were…