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Child-caregiver Attachment Representations in a Non-Western Context:The Feasibility and Cultural Equivalence of Story Stems in Urban Ghana
- Source :
- Wan, M W, Danquah, A N & Mahama, S 2017, ' Child-caregiver Attachment Representations in a Non-Western Context : The Feasibility and Cultural Equivalence of Story Stems in Urban Ghana ', Social Development . https://doi.org/10.1111/sode.12196
- Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Story stem measures are an increasingly popular method for assessing the attachment representations of young children, but little is known of their cross-cultural applicability. This study aimed to characterise the attachment representations in 73 five- to eight-year-old children in urban Ghana, West Africa, using the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task (MCAST) to test its feasibility, psychometric characteristics and concurrent associations with caregiver- and teacher-rated child behaviour, and to conduct a qualitative thematic analysis of methodological observations. Among the classifiable cases (92 percent), all attachment classifications were observed, yielding a higher rate of secure attachment than in European samples. Inter-rater reliability, internal consistency, and internal structure were reasonable and largely similar to European studies, although one structural difference was the separation of 'child assuagement of distress' from other secure-related items. MCAST narratives were associated with teacher- and caregiver-rated hyperactivity, but internal consistency was low in most Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scales. Possible culturally-sensitive explanations for our psychometric and qualitative findings are discussed. Overall, story stems are a promising tool for accessing attachment representations in non-Western samples, although modifications are likely to improve cross-cultural equivalence when applied to non-Western cultures. Further investigation is needed to link MCAST outcomes to parenting and socio-emotional development.
Details
- Language :
- English
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Wan, M W, Danquah, A N & Mahama, S 2017, ' Child-caregiver Attachment Representations in a Non-Western Context : The Feasibility and Cultural Equivalence of Story Stems in Urban Ghana ', Social Development . https://doi.org/10.1111/sode.12196
- Accession number :
- edsair.od......3818..7d5fbb21cc80e9dcf9b379e802faf6be