Is Insecure Parent–Child Attachment a Risk Factor for the Development of Anxiety in Childhood or Adolescence?. (8th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kerns, Kathryn A.; Brumariu, Laura E.
• Is Part Of: Child development perspectives. Volume 8:Number 1(2014:Mar.)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2013-11-08
• Subjects: Child development -- Periodicals; 302.231
• DOI: 10.1111/cdep.12054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-8592

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="cdep12054-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>In this article, we address how and why parent–child attachment is related to anxiety in children. Children who do not form secure attachments to caregivers risk developing anxiety or other internalizing problems. While meta‐analyses yield different findings regarding which insecurely attached children are at greatest risk, our recent studies suggest that disorganized children may be most at risk. Insecure attachment itself may contribute to anxiety, but insecurely attached children also are more likely to have difficulties regulating emotions and interacting competently with peers, which may further contribute to anxiety. Clinical disorders occur primarily when insecure attachment combines with other risk factors. In this article, we present a model of factors related to developing anxiety.</p> </abstract>