The significance of insecure attachment and disorganization in the development of children’s externalizing behavior: a meta-analytic study

TitleThe significance of insecure attachment and disorganization in the development of children's externalizing behavior: a meta-analytic study
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsFearon, R. P., M. J. Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. H. van IJzendoorn, A. M. Lapsley, and G. I. Roisman
This study addresses the extent to which insecure and disorganized attachments increase risk for externalizing problems using meta-analysis. From 69 samples (N = 5,947), the association between insecurity and externalizing problems was significant, d = 0.31 (95% CI: 0.23, 0.40). Larger effects were found for boys (d = 0.35), clinical samples (d = 0.49), and from observation-based outcome assessments (d = 0.58). Larger effects were found for attachment assessments other than the Strange Situation. Overall, disorganized children appeared at elevated risk (d = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.50), with weaker effects for avoidance (d = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.21) and resistance (d = 0.11, 95% CI: -0.04, 0.26). The results are discussed in terms of the potential significance of attachment for mental health.
Title The significance of insecure attachment and disorganization in the development of children's externalizing behavior: a meta-analytic study
Publication Title Child Dev
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2010
Authors R.P. Fearon; M.J. Bakermans-Kranenburg; M.H. van IJzendoorn; A.M. Lapsley; G.I. Roisman
Accession Number 20438450
Number 2
ISBN Number 1467-8624 (Electronic)<br/>0009-3920 (Linking)
Grant List
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