A Description of Attachment in Adoptive Parents and Adoptees in Romania During Early Adolescence
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A Description of Attachment in Adoptive Parents and Adoptees in Romania During Early Adolescence Victor Groza1
•
Ana Muntean2
Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015
Abstract This study is an assessment of different components of attachment for a sample of Romanian adoptees and their parents, both who participated in the project (n = 63). Results suggest that various aspects of the parent–child relationship in early adolescence is quite positive from both the adoptee and adoptive parent perspective. However, almost half (46 %) of the adoptees were assessed as having insecure attachment. There are differences between all components of parental attachment and adoptee attachment security. Also, insecure attachment is more likely to occur with less optimal parenting style. Implications for social work practice and research are discussed. Keywords Romania Adoption Adolescence Attachment
Introduction Attachment may be a pivotal developmental foundation on which many aspects of emotional and behavioral functioning are based (Boris et al. 1997). Secure attachment is associated with better problem solving (Matas et al. 1978), & Victor Groza [email protected] Ana Muntean [email protected] 1
Grace F. Brody Professor of Parent-Child Studies, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-7164, USA
2
Social Work Department, West University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
confidence (Sroufe 1983), better peer relations (Elicker et al. 1992), social competence and an array of positive health and mental health outcomes across the life span (see Goldberg 2000). Given the importance of attachment in relationship to other aspects of a child’s psychosocial functioning, it is important to have a better understanding of attachment development in a group of children who have early adverse experiences followed by positive experiences in an adoptive family. Understanding attachment patterns for different groups has important implications for social work practice and for strengthening at-risk families and children. Attachment theory provides a conceptual framework for why an available, responsive and protective adult is the best environment for maximizing child development. Drawing from ethology and post psycho-analytical theory, attachment theory posits that the mother–child relationship is pivotal to maximizing child development (see Bowlby 1969, 1973, 1988). It is widely recognize that it does not have to be only the biological mother but any consistent, primary and invested caregiver can provide the type of relationship necessary to optimize child development (Singer et al. 1985; Dozier et al. 2009; Groark and Mccall 2011). From its beginning, attachment theory highlighted different maternal1 behaviors affecting security of child attachment. Ainsworth and colleagues (Ainsworth 1969; Ainsworth et al. 1978) considered the mother’s sensitivity as the most important quality for secure attachment in the child. According to Ainsworth (1969),
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