The effect of extremely preterm birth on attachment organization in late adolescence
Author
Summary, in English
Background Prior studies have examined the impact of preterm birth on the quality of the attachment relationship to the mother in infancy, but few have examined extremely preterm born infants and almost no data have been reported on prematurity and its impact on the attachment organization attained after childhood. Methods Thirty-nine adolescents born extremely preterm and 39 full-term born control participants were assessed with the Adult Attachment Interview. Results The prematurely born showed lower scores regarding measures of attachment security and, in particular, a higher proportion of insecure dismissive patterns. This difference seemed to be clear and persistent even when controlled for intelligence and socio-economic variables. Conclusions Because insecure attachment as well as prematurity may be considered as significant risk factors for developing psychopathology, they deserve careful attention in future research and clinical follow-ups.
Department/s
Publishing year
2012
Language
English
Pages
196-203
Publication/Series
Child: Care Health and Development
Volume
38
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
Topic
- Pediatrics
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1365-2214