Attachment in Middle Childhood: An Evolutionary–Developmental Perspective. Issue 148 (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Del Giudice, Marco
• Editors: Bosmans, Guy; Kerns, Kathryn A.
• Is Part Of: New directions for child and adolescent development. Issue 148(2015)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Child psychology -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; Youth -- Psychology -- Periodicals; 305.231
• DOI: 10.1002/cad.20101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1520-3247

Abstract

Abstract: Middle childhood is a key transitional stage in the development of attachment processes and representations. Here I discuss the middle childhood transition from an evolutionary–developmental perspective and show how this approach offers fresh insight into the function and organization of attachment in this life stage. I begin by presenting an integrated biological model of middle childhood and discussing the neurobiological mechanisms that support the middle childhood transition. I examine the potential role of adrenal androgens, focusing on their activational effects in interaction with early exposure to sex hormones. I then discuss three insights arising from the integrated model and apply them to the development of attachment in middle childhood. I consider the changing functions of attachment in light of social competition, the emergence of sex differences in attachment, and the model's implications for the genetics of attachment in middle childhood. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.