Are differences in early aggressive behavior mediated by attachment processes? The case of adolescent mother-infant dyads.

Abstract

This study examines the possibility that the association between young motherhood and child aggressive behavior is mediated by maternal sensitivity and attachment security. Adolescent (n = 83) and adult (n = 44) mother-infant dyads were met at home when infants were 6-, 10-, 15- and 18-months-old. Sensitivity (6 and 10 months) and attachment security (15 and 18 months) were assessed based on two sets of 120-minute home observations. Child aggressiveness was reported by mothers at 18 months. Young motherhood was linked to lower levels of sensitivity and attachment security, and greater levels of aggressive behaviors. Sequential mediation analysis revealed mediation by attachment processes, after controlling for infant irritability (6- and 10-months). Discussion focuses on the way results support important postulates of attachment theory and argue in favor of attachment-based intervention and other strategies that addresses other challenges faced by young mothers.