Stability of attachment classification among young foster children

What is it about?

This study is about the stability of attachment patterns in foster children versus children growing up with their biological parents from age 2 years to age 3. Attachment quality was assessed using the Ainsworth secure, insecure, disorganized classification methodology.

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Why is it important?

Results revealed that most foster children were securely attached at age 2 years. There were no significant group differences between foster children and control or typically reared participants. Attachment classifications remained stable for most children at the age interval from age 2 to 3. The majority of foster children who were securely attached at age 2 were still secure at age 3. Fewer foster children who were classified as disorganized at age 2 earned the same classification later, at age 3.

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