ATTACHMENT AND TEACHER-REPORTED BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS DURING THE PRESCHOOL AND EARLY SCHOOL-AGE PERIOD

The association between attachment and behavior problems was examined for a nonclinical, diverse socioeconomic status (SES) French-Canadian sample of 77 children. Attachment classifications were assigned on the basis of reunion behavior with mother when the children were between 5 and 7 years of age. Teachers rated children's problem behavior using the Socioaffective Profile within 3 months of the attachment assessme nt (Time 2) and 2 years earlier (Time 1). Results indicated that child ren with a D classification were more likely than secures or other ins ecure groups (A or C) to be classified in the problem group at both ag es. A majority (80%) of the D group showed problem behavior at some po int during the 3-7 year period compared with a minority of A, B, or C children. However, only about 30% of controlling children (like other insecures) had stable problems. Analyses of subclinical scores showed that both controlling and avoidant groups were lower than secures in s ocial competence at Time 1. At Time 2, A group children were lower in externalizing behavior, and C group children were higher. These result s extend the association between the D classification and maladaptatio n previously found for clinical and high-risk samples to a nonclinical , mixed SES sample.