A study of the relationship between attachment patterns and problem perception in a sample of 9-11 year old children with behavioral disorders

Using the Separation Anxiety Test, this study assessed the attachment patte rns in a sample of 27 boys and girls in psychotherapeutic treatment to test the hypothesis of a relationship between attachment styles and problem per ception (using the problem questionnaire of Westhoff), and concentration. I n conformity with the hypothesis, results demonstrate children with anxious -avoidant attachment showing less, those with anxious-ambivalent attachment indicating more problems than average. There was a general tendency for ch ildren with behavioral disorders reporting more problems than a comparative sample of 19 school children. No correlation was found between attachment styles and concentration (assessed via the d2-test). The concentrative abil ities were generally reduced in the clinical sample. The results are discus sed in relation to action-theoretical assumptions.