DYADIC DISTRESS MANAGEMENT PREDICTS SUBSEQUENT SECURITY OF ATTACHMENT

The purpose of this study was to examine methodologically independent infant, maternal, and dyadic variables to predict security of attachme nt. The subjects were 52 mothers and their firstborn infants from midd le- to upper-middle-class backgrounds. Prenatal assessment of maternal characteristics included measures of depression, anxiety, and self-ef ficacy. Infant characteristics were assessed via a standardized labora tory procedure at 3 months of age. Dyadic behaviors were observed in t he home also at 3 months of age. At 12 months of age, security of atta chment was assessed in the Strange Situation procedure. Results indica te that prenatal maternal anxiety and dyadic behaviors involving distr ess management were the best predictors of security of attachment. Thi s study provides support for the role of maternal characteristics meas ured in the prenatal period as well as mother-infant dyadic patterns i nvolving distress management in determining subsequent security of att achment.