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A threshold approach to understanding the origins of attachment disorganization

Bernier, A.; Meins, E.

Authors

A. Bernier

E. Meins



Abstract

Disorganized attachment in infancy is known to predict a wide range of maladaptive outcomes, but its origins are poorly understood. Parental lack of resolution concerning loss or trauma has been proposed to result in atypical parenting behaviors, which in turn have a disorganizing effect on the parent-child relationship. The authors review the evidence for this transmission pathway, considering other factors (e.g., social environment, child characteristics) that might enrich understanding of the antecedents of disorganization. A threshold approach is proposed to explain (a) why different parental behaviors are linked to disorganization depending on prevailing social conditions and (b) why certain children appear more vulnerable to forming a disorganized attachment relationship.

Citation

Bernier, A., & Meins, E. (2008). A threshold approach to understanding the origins of attachment disorganization. Developmental Psychology, 44(4), 969-982. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.44.4.969

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jul 1, 2008
Deposit Date Sep 23, 2010
Journal Developmental Psychology
Print ISSN 0012-1649
Electronic ISSN 1939-0599
Publisher American Psychological Association
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 44
Issue 4
Pages 969-982
DOI https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.44.4.969

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