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Mary Main’s operationalization of infant attachment disorganization contributed to our understanding of attachment and psychopathology. Her exploration of attachment patterns at age 6 with Jude Cassidy laid the foundations for studying attachment post-infancy. They found remarkable correspondence from age 1 to age 6 in the disorganization spectrum and documented the emergence of role-reversal. This study proposes a person-centered approach to explore classes of children with respect to attachment disorganization at four time points between infancy and late preschool. Participants (n = 205) were recruited in the UK and formed a socioeconomically diverse community sample of mother–child dyads. We identified three classes of children: 1) a stable organized group; 2) an unstable group becoming organized; and 3) an unstable group becoming disorganized. Results show that major loss predicts membership of the third class of children. These findings contribute to our understanding of disorganization across multiple periods, and thus to Mary Main’s legacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current meta-analysis examined the mediating role of sensitive-responsive parenting in the relationship between depression in mothers and internalizing and externalizing behavior in children. A systematic review of the path of maternal sensitive responsiveness to child psychopathology identified eligible studies. Meta-analytic structural equation modelling (MASEM) allowed for the systematic examination of the magnitude of the indirect effect across 68 studies (N = 15,579) for internalizing and 92 studies (N = 26,218) for externalizing psychopathology. The synthesized sample included predominantly White, English-speaking children (age range = 1 to 205 months; Mage = 66 months; 47% female) from Western, industrialized countries. The indirect pathway was small in magnitude and similar for externalizing (b =.02) and internalizing psychopathology (b =.01). Moderator analyses found that the indirect pathway for externalizing problems was stronger when mother-child interactions were observed during naturalistic and free-play tasks rather than structured tasks. Other tested moderators were not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive caregiving behavior, which involves the ability to notice, interpret, and quickly respond to a child's signals of need and/or interest, is a central determinant of secure child–caregiver attachment. Yet, significant heterogeneity in effect sizes exists across the literature, and sources of heterogeneity have yet to be explained. For all child–caregiver dyads, there was a significant and positive pooled association between caregiver sensitivity and parent–child attachment (r =.25, 95% CI [.22,.28], k = 174, 230 effect sizes, N = 22,914). We also found a positive association between maternal sensitivity and child attachment security (r =.26, 95% CI [.22,.29], k = 159, 202 effect sizes, N = 21,483), which was equivalent in magnitude to paternal sensitivity and child attachment security (r =.21, 95% CI [.14, 27], k = 22, 23 effect sizes, N = 1,626). Maternal sensitivity was also negatively associated with all three classifications of insecure attachment (avoidant: k = 43, r = −.24 [−.34, −.13]; resistant: k = 43, r = −.12 [−.19, −.06]; disorganized: k = 24, r = −.19 [−.27, −.11]). For maternal sensitivity, associations were larger in studies that used the Attachment Q-Sort (vs. the Strange Situation), used the Maternal Behavior Q-Sort (vs. Ainsworth or Emotional Availability Scales), had strong (vs. poor) interrater measurement reliability, had a longer observation of sensitivity, and had less time elapse between assessments. For paternal sensitivity, associations were larger in older (vs. younger) fathers and children. These findings confirm the importance of both maternal and paternal sensitivity for the development of child attachment security and add understanding of the methodological and substantive factors that allow this effect to be observed. Public Significance Statement: The quality of care children receive from caregivers can shape the foundations of a thriving society. Sensitive caregiver behavior involves the ability to notice, interpret, and quickly respond to a child's signals of need and/or interest. Findings from our research suggests that caregivers' sensitive behavior toward their child plays a pivotal role in fostering children's secure attachment. We found that associations were similar for both mothers and fathers. These findings stress the urgency of allocating resources and supports to enhance sensitive caregiver behavior, to in turn promote healthier child–parent relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two meta-analyses were conducted (N = 10,980 child-father dyads) with 93 studies published between 1983-2020, primarily in North America and Europe, on observed parental sensitivity to children (3-180 months; 48% girls; 14% non-White) in partnered mothers and fathers. The first meta-analysis found higher maternal mean levels of observed sensitivity, with a small effect size (d = -.27). Differences between parents were larger with micro coding and triadic/family assessments. Differences narrowed as a function of publication year and were not significant in European samples. The second meta-analysis identified a moderate correlation between observed maternal and paternal sensitivity (r = .23 after adjusting for probable publication bias). Correlations were larger in Middle Eastern samples and with composite sensitivity scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis synthesized the distribution of attachment classifications as coded with the Cassidy-Marvin Preschool Attachment Coding System and the Main-Cassidy Six-Year-Old System. These systems have extended scholars' capacity to measure differences in the developing child-parent attachment relationship, and its sequelae, beyond the infancy period; however, the global distribution of the attachment categories in these systems, and the potential factors influencing this distribution, remain unknown. The meta-analysis included 97 samples (N = 8,186 children; 55% boys), mostly drawn from North American or European populations (89%; M = 76% White). Results indicated that the distribution of child-mother attachment was 53.5% secure, 14.0% avoidant, 11.0% ambivalent, and 21.5% disorganized/controlling. Moderator analyses showed that rates of security were lower, and rates of disorganization were higher, in samples of at-risk families, specifically when children were exposed to maltreatment. Variations in the procedure also moderated the distribution. The discussion calls for greater unity around methodological practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although numerous individual studies have attempted to link child–parent attachment and prosociality, a systematic picture of that relationship requires a meta-analytic approach that considers different dimensions of prosociality and potential moderators. The current meta-analysis examined 41 studies drawn primarily from North America and Europe and published between 1978 to 2020. Child age ranged from 12 to 53 months at the assessment of child–parent attachment and 12 to 108 months at the assessment of prosociality. Across 35 studies (100 effect sizes, N = 4,611), child–mother attachment security and child prosociality were significantly associated (r =.19, 95% CI [.14,.23]). No moderators were identified. Exploratory estimates were also derived for subtypes of child–mother attachment insecurity. Across six studies (eight effect sizes, N = 402), child–father attachment security was significantly associated with prosociality (r =.11, 95% CI [.02,.23]). The magnitude of effect sizes did not differ based on parent gender. The discussion considers areas of growth for attachment and prosociality research. Public Significance Statement: The nature by which we interact with one another—namely how we help and show kindness to others—is critical for a functional and prosperous society. This study examined child–parent attachment as a potential source of influence for the development of prosociality. Across 41 studies and over 4,000 children, we identified that when children form a secure attachment relationship to their mothers and fathers, they are more likely to behave prosocially toward others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meta‐analytic associations between observed parental sensitivity and child behavioral problems were examined (children aged 0–17 years). Studies (k = 108, N = 28,114) contained sociodemographically diverse samples, primarily from North America and Europe, reporting on parent‐child dyads (95% mothers; 54% boys). Sensitivity significantly related to internalizing (k = 69 studies; N = 14,729; r = −.08, 95% CI [−.12, −.05]) and externalizing (k = 94; N = 25,418; r = −.14, 95% CI [−.17, −.11]) problems, with stronger associations found for externalizing. For internalizing problems, associations were significantly stronger among samples with low socioeconomic status (SES) versus mid‐high SES, in peer‐reviewed versus unpublished dissertations, and in studies using composite versus single scale sensitivity measures. No other moderators emerged as significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past meta-analyses show that both child-mother and child-father attachment insecurity are independently and jointly associated with more externalizing behaviors in children. Little is known, however, on the ways that different types of insecure attachment independently and jointly predict the development of externalizing behaviors over time. Existing work also neglects the impact of children's gender within the context of child-father relationships. The current study addresses these limitations by investigating how insecure type of child-father attachment, child-mother attachment, and their interaction in the preschool years predict boys' and girls' externalizing behaviors in middle childhood, when controlling for children's externalizing behaviors in the preschool years. The sample included 144 preschool-aged children (M = 46.89 months, SD = 8.77, 83 girls) and both of their parents. At Time 1, children completed independent separation-reunion procedures with each parent, which were coded using the Preschool Attachment Rating Scales. At Time 1 and Time 2 (5 years later), mothers and fathers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to report on their children's externalizing behaviors. Results showed no systematic differences in the way that child-mother and child-father attachment predicted the development of externalizing behaviors in boys and girls. Across all children, results identified an interaction of child-father and child-mother ambivalence, by which the presence of ambivalence toward both parents predicted the development of more externalizing behaviors. In addition, child-father con-trolling-caregiving attachment predicted the development of fewer externalizing behaviors. These results provide insight into the ways that insecure child-father and child-mother attachment predict later socio-emotional adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Challenging parenting behaviors (CPB) challenge children to go beyond their zone of comfort in a playful, encouraging manner. Research with middle class White families has shown that fathers' CPB is associated with reduced anxiety in children. • In our low-income ethnically diverse US sample, mothers and fathers of infants engage in CPB at similar levels. • CPB was not associated with infants' social competence and behavior problems at 12 months, suggesting that among ethnic minority parents the function of CPB may vary. • This study shows the need for more research understanding the normative development of infant development and parenting in diverse families. We used data from a sample of ethnically diverse first-time parents (N = 186) in the United States to examine differences between mothers' and fathers' challenging parenting behavior (CPB) when infants were 9 months old as well as covariates of CPB. We also examined associations between CPB and infants' social competence and behavior problems when they were 12 months old. Results showed no differences between mothers and fathers in the level of CPB with their infants. Mothers with more depressive symptoms engaged in more CPB. Over and above the contributions of infants' gender and temperament and parents' education, mothers' and fathers' CPB was not associated with infants' social competence and behavior problems. This study expands our understanding of the universality of CPB and whether it is associated with social competence in ethnically diverse families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported online in Psychology of Men & Masculinities on Mar 18 2021 (see record 2021-36794-001). In the article "The Interaction of Child-Father Attachment and Child-Mother Attachment in the Prediction of Observed Coparenting" by Jean-François Bureau, Audrey-Ann Deneault, Kim Yurkowski, Jodi Martin, Jeffry Quan, Sage Sezlik, and Camille Guérin-Marion (Psychology of Men & Masculinities, Advance online publication. July 30, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1037/men0000309), the visual representation of interaction effects was erroneously the same in both Figure 2 and Figure 3. Figure 3 depicted the right values of simple slopes, but the wrong visual representation of them. All versions of this article have been corrected.] A number of studies have examined the role of coparenting relationships on the development of children's attachment to their mothers and fathers. However, previous research tends to interpret this link as unidirectional, thereby ignoring the possibility that, in reverse, child-parent attachment relationships could also predict the quality of the coparenting relationship. Furthermore, there is limited work examining how the child-father and the child-mother attachment relationships may interact to predict coparenting. In response to these limitations, the current study drew from an integrative family systems framework and observational measures to examine these possible relations in biparental heterosexual families. To assess child-parent attachment security, 144 preschool-aged children (83 girls; M = 46.89 months, SD = 8.77) completed independent separation-reunion procedures with their mother and father during counterbalanced laboratory visits. During a subsequent home visit, parents engaged in triadic play with their child, from which coparenting cooperation and competition were evaluated. Results showed that child-mother and child-father attachment security were not independent predictors of coparenting; rather, their interaction significantly predicted the quality of the coparenting relationship. In line with theoretical models calling for a family systems approach, study findings highlight the importance of considering the interactive effects of child-father and child-mother attachment relationships when examining family dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence points to the theoretical and statistical advantages of continuous (rather than categorical) assessments of child-caregiver attachment. The Preschool Attachment Rating Scales (PARS) is a continuous coding system to assess preschool attachment that is complementary to the categorical MacArthur Preschool Attachment Coding System (PACS). The current study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the PARS to measure both child-mother and child-father attachment during the preschool period. Participants included 144 preschool-aged children (M = 46.89 months, SD = 8.77; 83 girls) and their parents. Results support the reliability and validity of the PARS: good inter-rater reliability, expected associations between scales, convergence with the PACS, and association with parental sensitivity and child externalizing problems. These findings support the application of continuous assessments of child-caregiver attachment in the preschool years. They also align with previous work on child-mother attachment, and present avenues for future research on child-father attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the negative relations between parental psychological control and various aspects of emerging adults' social and emotional adaptation, there is a need to determine whether similar relations exist for emerging adults' academic adjustment. The current study tested an integrative model using an interactionist approach of dyadic gender composition to test whether maternal and paternal psychological control are unique and interactive predictors of four different indicators of academic adjustment (i.e., academic achievement, satisfaction of academic achievement, academic goal progress, and school satisfaction) for male and female emerging adults, using fear of failure as a mediator. The sample comprised 1792 undergraduate students aged 17–25 years old (74.2% identified as females). The results showed that maternal and paternal psychological control interacted to predict students' fear of failure, and that fear of failure negatively predicted all indicators of academic adjustment. The results revealed small indirect mediation effects. For females, fear of failure mediated the relation between the interaction of psychological control and satisfaction of academic achievement. For males, fear of failure mediated the relation between the interaction of psychological control and academic goal progress. The results show that parents continue to play an important role in their children's lives during emerging adulthood, and provide insight on the mechanisms underlying such parental influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although considerable research has sought to establish the influence of parent-child attachment on child socioemotional adaptation, it has primarily focused on mother-child dyads and external reports of adaptation. The current study investigates the longitudinal associations between both preschool mother-child and father-child attachment and self-reported socioemotional adaptation in middle childhood. Eighty-three children (47 girls) participated in separate lab visits with each parent at both Time 1 (3–5 years old) and Time 2 (7–11 years old). Results revealed that father-child attachment assessed with the MacArthur Preschool Attachment Coding System was uniquely related to child self-esteem, such that insecure children had significantly lower self-esteem scores than what was expected by chance. Children insecurely attached to their father also reported significantly higher externalizing problems than secure children, but this relationship was only significant if the child was also insecurely attached to their mother. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Through meta -analyses of 125 studies (N = 9,213 children), this study shows medium-sized associations between child-mother attachment security and child cognition and language. • Additionally, using meta -analytical structural equation modeling, this study shows that both maternal sensitivity and child-mother attachment contribute to child cognitive and language outcomes. • This study helps shed light on the developmental processes by which parenting and early childhood relationships influence cognitive and language development in children. A programmatic set of meta-analyses by Groh et al. (e.g., Groh et al., 2017a) and Madigan et al. (e.g., Madigan et al., 2023) demonstrated that secure child-caregiver attachments are positively associated with children's social and emotional development, with somewhat stronger associations identified in relation to social competence and (lower) externalizing behaviors than for (lower) internalizing symptoms (Groh et al., 2017a). The association of attachment security with children's cognitive and language outcomes, however, is relatively less well established. Moreover, it is unknown whether attachment is associated with these outcomes through direct links, indirect links (i.e., as a mediator of the association between caregiver sensitivity and child cognition and language processes), or both. Empirical tests of these hypotheses have not yet been conducted. The current study had two main objectives: 1) provide a meta-analytic update for the association between attachment security and cognition and language (k = 125 studies [107 samples]; N = 9,213 children; 52.5% boys; 100% mothers; 93% from North America/Europe), and 2) test this association within a larger mediation model that accounts for the roles of sensitivity and attachment through a meta-analytic structural equation model (sensitivity → attachment → cognitive and language outcomes). Results showed that child-mother attachment security was significantly associated with child cognition (r = 0.17, 95% CI [0.14, 0.20]) and language outcomes (r = 0.16, 95% CI [0.12, 0.20]). The MASEM model revealed a small, but significant, indirect effect of sensitivity on cognitive and language outcomes through attachment security. The discussion considers the theoretical and practical implications of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aimed to provide a narrative synthesis of associations between the early childhood (i.e., preschool and early school age) attachment classification systems and internalizing and externalizing symptoms measured from preschool age through adolescence. The review was pre-registered with PROSPERO (#CRD42017073417) and followed PRISMA guidelines. Of the 9,312 records screened, 34 articles comprising 15 samples were included in the review. Findings across studies suggest consistent associations between insecure early childhood attachment and both internalizing and externalizing symptoms during the preschool and school-age/middle childhood periods, with children classified as disorganized/controlling being at heightened risk. There is insufficient evidence to confirm associations with (pre)adolescent externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Future directions for research and clinical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As scholars move away from distinct conceptualizations of mothering and fathering (Fagan et al., 2014), scholars have developed novel observational paradigms that are adapted to mothers' and fathers' interactive style. For example, the Laughing Task procedure allows for the assessment of parent-child synchrony in a playful setting. However, parent-child synchrony has rarely been assessed at multiple time points, especially in middle childhood. This study aims to extend the applicability of the Laughing Task procedure to middle childhood by 1) exploring the stability between dimensions of dyadic synchrony in 76 intact biparental Canadian families over a five-year period, and 2) examining the longitudinal and concurrent association between dyadic synchrony and children's behavior problems in middle childhood. Children participated in a playful interaction with their father and their mother during separate laboratory visits at both time points. Both parents reported on their child's behavior problems at Time 2. Results showed a strong stability between the dimensions of playful interactions over time, but only for father-child dyads. Nonetheless, the interaction of mother-child and father-child coordination was a significant predictor of children's behavior problems. Result shows that children presented higher behavior problems when concurrent dyadic coordination was low with both parents. Moreover, high coordination with one parent buffered against low coordination with the other parent in the prediction of behavior problems. These results support the validity and reliability of the Laughing Task procedure in middle childhood, especially for father-child dyads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies show that children with a military parent are at heightened risk of the development of behavior problems. However, there is limited work examining how other factors experienced by military families may also influence behavior problems. In the current study, we recruited three types of Canadian families with a preschooler: families with a deployed military member, families with a nondeployed military member, and nonmilitary families. We examined whether the nonmilitary parent's (in all cases the mother) parenting stress and attachment relationship with the child are associated with behavior problems, and whether deployment status further contributes to the prediction. Child–mother dyads participated in an observed attachment assessment, and mothers reported on their stress levels and their child's behavior. Results showed that both child attachment insecurity and parenting stress were associated with elevated levels of internalizing problems; however, only parenting stress was associated with conduct problems. Military deployment predicted higher levels of internalizing and conduct problems beyond the contributions of attachment and stress. Furthermore, having a father in the military (whether deployed or not) also contributed to internalizing problems. These findings shed light on how the military lifestyle impacts early childhood mental health through the complex interplay between various parts of their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of providing an estimate of the association between father and child internalizing symptoms, the present study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed associations between father and child anxiety and depression symptoms from existing research (mostly from North America and Europe, conducted between 1981 and 2021). Based on 70 samples (158 effect sizes, N = 58,255), the meta-analysis with robust variance estimation identified a positive and significant association between depression in fathers and children (r =.15, 95% CI [.12,.17]). Similarly, a positive and significant association between father and child anxiety was observed (r =.13, 95% CI [.07,.18]) based on 39 samples (72 effect sizes, N = 11,683). The effect sizes for depression and anxiety did not significantly differ from one another or as a function of sample characteristics and methodological moderators. Findings show the importance of fathers in the development of child psychopathology. Directions for future research from a family systems perspective are proposed. Public Significance Statement: Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health disorders among children and parents. The current meta-analysis examines if depression and anxiety in fathers are associated with the development of such symptoms in children. The results suggest a small-to-moderate association between father and child depression and anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitivity in parent-child interaction is essential for child development. Since fathers are increasingly involved in childrearing, identifying factors leading to paternal sensitivity is crucial. We examined the relation between attachment representation and reflective functioning (RF) as factors influencing paternal sensitivity in a longitudinal study including N = 40 first-time fathers (Mage = 33) and their 6-month-old children. We used the Adult Attachment Interview during pregnancy to assess paternal attachment representation and general RF, the Parental Development Interview to assess fathers' parental RF, and the Emotional Availability Scale to measure sensitivity at child's age of 6 month. Data show that secure paternal attachment representation, high general and parental RF are associated with higher levels of paternal sensitivity. Further, parental RF mediates the association between attachment representation and paternal sensitivity. These findings contribute to the identification of a causal interplay in that they suggest an explanatory effect of RF on the association between fathers' attachment representation, and sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) is a comprehensive self-report measure of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). In an effort to build on past research and further validate the OSI, this study presents a confirmatory factor analysis of the OSI's subscales measuring the functions and addictive features of NSSI using a university sample. Participants were 316 university students aged 17–25 years (84.8% female) who had engaged in NSSI at least once in their lifetime. Consistent with past research, results confirmed the four-factor structure of the Functions items (Internal Emotion Regulation, Social Influence, External Emotion Regulation, Sensation Seeking), as well as the single-factor structure of Addictive Features items. Correlations calculated between the obtained factors and indicators of NSSI severity revealed that higher endorsement of NSSI's Internal Emotion Regulation functions, External Emotion Regulation functions, and Addictive Features were associated with more frequent lifetime NSSI, recent (past 6 months) NSSI, and greater distress regarding NSSI urges; greater endorsement of NSSI's Sensation Seeking functions was also linked with more frequent lifetime NSSI. Results provide further support for the OSI's psychometric properties in a university sample, and offer additional evidence for links between specific NSSI functions and addictive features and more severe manifestations of the behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) was developed five decades ago to assess infant–parent attachment relationships. Although the procedure itself has remained relatively constant in over 285 studies (20,720 dyads) conducted to date, there have been vast sociological changes during this time, and research foci shifts to studying diverse populations. Since its inception, the SSP has also been adopted in over 20 countries. In this meta-analysis, we collate this large body of work, with the objectives of producing reliable estimates of the distribution of the four SSP attachment classifications, assessing temporal trends and geographical differences, and determining if and when distributions are different across various populations. Results revealed that the global distribution of SSP attachment was 51.6% secure, 14.7% avoidant, 10.2% resistant, and 23.5% disorganized. There were no differences in the distribution among mothers and fathers, and no child age or sex differences. We found a temporal trend in which there was less avoidant attachment over time and there were attachment distribution differences between samples from North America versus other regions of the world, particularly Asia, Middle East/Israel and South America. We found higher rates of avoidant and disorganized attachment in populations with sociodemographic risks and higher rates of disorganized attachment in samples where parents had psychopathology and when the child experienced maltreatment or was adopted from foster or institutional care. The implications of these findings for future research and practice are discussed. Public Significance Statement: This meta-analysis suggests that, worldwide, one in every two infants develops a secure attachment relationship with their caregiver. Secure attachment is more likely to develop when fewer stressors are imposed on the parent–infant dyad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article consists of 2 separate studies in which the overarching aim was to examine the relationships between caregiver-child behaviours in the vaccination context (infant and preschool) and preschool attachment outcomes. It provides for the first time an examination of acute pain behaviours during early childhood and how it relates to a critical aspect of child development (ie, attachment status) at the end of early childhood. Study 1 examined the longitudinal relationships between caregiver-infant behaviours during infants' first routine vaccination (2 months) and preschool attachment (n = 84). Study 2 examined the concurrent relationships between caregiver-preschooler behaviours during the last routine vaccination of preschool (4-5 years) and preschool attachment (n = 117). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used. Although there were several nonsignificant findings, the results revealed that higher caregiver sensitivity and higher proximal soothing 1 minute before the needle during infants' 2-month vaccinations predicted higher levels of preschooler avoidance and lower levels of preschooler ambivalence, respectively. In addition, higher infant pain-related distress at 2 minutes after the needle was related to higher preschooler security and lower preschooler disorganization and controlling-punitive attachments. In terms of concurrent relationships, only caregiver sensitivity was significantly related to preschool attachment outcomes. Specifically, higher caregiver sensitivity at preschoolers' 4- to 5-year vaccinations was related to higher preschooler attachment security. The study findings provide evidence that child-caregiver behavioural patterns during the infant and preschool routine vaccination relate to preschoolers' patterns of attachment. Moreover, it underscores the potential importance of health professionals teaching and supporting attuned caregiving to the child in pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in fathers’ involvement in childrearing, particularly beyond infancy, warrants research exploring factors influencing the quality of child–father attachment relationships, and the impact of these relationships on children’s social development. The current investigation explored various correlates of preschoolers’ child–father attachment security to both parents, including contextual factors (i.e., socioeconomic status, child temperament, parenting stress), parental play sensitivity, and child social adaptation. Participants included 107 preschool-aged children (59 girls; M = 46.67 months, SD = 8.57) and their fathers and mothers. Results revealed that both mothers’ and fathers’ play sensitivity were associated with child attachment security after controlling for different contextual factors. Furthermore, the magnitude of the association between child conduct problems and child–father attachment insecurity was stronger than the corresponding association with child–mother attachment insecurity. Findings provide important information on caregiving factors associated with child–father attachment security in the preschool years and the importance of this bond to children’s social adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]