Longitudinal attachment development from infancy through adolescence

Continuity and change of attachment during the life span and factors influe ncing these processes are central topics of attachment research. In two lon gitudinal studies attachment development from infancy to adolescence has be en studied from a differentiated perspective of homotypic and heterotypic c ontinuity. In the bielefeld longitudinal study attachment measures were ass essed in infancy (strange situation) to both mother and father, at age ten (attachment interview) and at age 16 (Adult Attachment Interview). In addit ion risk factors influencing family interaction have been assessed. In the Regensburg longitudinal study attachment measures in infancy (strange situa tion) with both parents, in childhood with mother (reunion), and again aat age 16 (AAI) were assessed. In addition again risk factors and adolescents interactive behaviors in a planning task with their mothers were assessed. The results for both studies revealed no significant concordance between st range situation to both parents and adolescents' AAIs independent of the cl assification method for the AAI. Familial risk factors were related to disc ontinuity and insecure attachment representation however differently in eac h study. In general the studies reveal continuity at the behavioral/procedu ral and at the representational/declarative level but not between the two m odes of assessment of attachment.