1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The first objective of this study was to examine how preadolescent anxiety and depression symptoms differed as a function of preschool attachment classification. […] The second objective was to examine differences in self-reported self-esteem at preadolescence using the same set of post-hoc comparisons for the three groups.» (p. 246)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«Participants in this study were [68] mother–child dyads who were part of an ongoing longitudinal project focused on developmental adaptation as a function of parent–child relationships. These participants were recruited through preschools in diverse socio-economic areas of Montreal.» (p. 247)

Instruments :
Questionnaire
Grille d’observation

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

Results show that «preadolescents who had a disorganized attachment relationship with their mother at preschool age were at greater risk for the development of both anxiety and depression symptoms than those who had been classified secure and insecure-organized (avoidant and ambivalent). […] In contrast, children with insecure-organized patterns of attachment can, to some degree, use the caregiver to assist in the regulation of stressful emotions, and do not perceive the caregiver as unable to protect them and a source of fear. [W]e found that self-esteem acted as a partial mediator of the longitudinal association between disorganized attachment at preschool age and depression symptoms at preadolescence. The inability of children with disorganized attachment to rely on the parent in times of need may foster a reduced sense of self-efficacy, as these children lack opportunities to develop new skills or to explore the environment. An early disorganized parent–child relationship may also lead to negative self-views, associated with depressive symptoms, when encountering personal disappointment, performance failure and loss-related stressors […].» (p. 253-254)