Gerlach, Jennifer
[Verfasser:in];
Fößel, Judith M.
[Verfasser:in];
Vierhaus, Marc
[Verfasser:in];
Sann, Alexandra
[Verfasser:in];
Eickhorst, Andreas
[Verfasser:in];
Zimmermann, Peter
[Verfasser:in];
Spangler, Gottfried
[Verfasser:in]
Family risk and early attachment development: The differential role of parental sensitivity
Beschreibung:
Family risks are known to be detrimental to children’s attachment development. This study investigated whether parental sensitivity plays different roles in early attachment development in the context of risk: Sensitivity was hypothesized to mediate risk effects on attachment, as well as a moderator that shapes the relation between risk and attachment. Multiple family risks, parental sensitivity (defined as responsivity and supportive presence), and children’s attachment security of 197 infants and toddlers (Mage = 15.25 months) and their caregivers were assessed in a prospective study with a cohort-sequential-design in Germany. Caregivers’ sensitivity served as a mediator of risk effects on attachment as well as a moderator that buffers adverse consequences of risk. Early sensitivity might be relevant in setting the stage for attachment development supporting resilience.