Timing of parental separation and attachment to parents in adolescence: Results of a prospective study from birth to age 16

Using prospective longitudinal data from rite Christchurch Health and Devel opment Study (CHDS), this paper examines the effects of parental separation on the quality of adolescents' attachment to parents and their perceptions of pa rental care and overprotection during childhood. Exposure to parenta l separation was significantly associated with lower attachment to parents in adolescence and more negative perceptions of maternal and paternal care and protection during childhood. When examined in relation to the developme ntal timing of first separation, a linens relationship between the age at f irst separation and later parental attachment and perceived parent-child re lations was found. The younger the age of the child at the time of separati on, the lower their subsequent parental attachment and the more likely they were to perceive both their mother and father as less caring and more over protective. No gender differences were found in children's responses to par ental separation. These findings persisted after control for the confoundin g effects of family social background, marital conflict, parenting, child b ehavior and remarriage. Results supported the importance of the early child hood years for the development of a secure and enduring attachment relation ship between children and their parents.