Long‐Term Effects of Institutional Care and Enhanced Attachment Relationships on Close Adolescent Friendships. Issue 6 (16th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tang, Alva; Almas, Alisa; Zeytinoglu, Selin; Zeanah, Charles H.; Nelson, Charles A.; Fox, Nathan A.
• Is Part Of: Child development. Volume 92:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 2431
• Page End: 2446
• Publication Date: 2021-05-16
• Subjects: Child development -- Periodicals; Child psychology -- Periodicals; Child Development -- Periodicals; Child Development; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pedicatrics; 305.231
• DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13592
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-3920

Abstract

Abstract : This study examined whether early institutional rearing and attachment security influence the quality and quantity of friendships at age 16 in 138 participants, including children abandoned to institutions in Bucharest, Romania, who were randomized to care as usual ( n = 45, 26 female), or foster care ( n = 47, 25 female), and a never‐institutionalized group ( n = 46, 18 female). Adolescents in the foster care group with secure attachment to their foster mothers at 42 months were comparable to never‐institutionalized adolescents in having more friends and more positive behaviors with their friend during dyadic interactions, compared to the foster care group with insecure attachment and care as usual group. Interventions targeting early child–caregiver attachment relationships may help foster the ability to build positive friendships in adolescence.