Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2022.19

ATTACHMENT AND ITS IMPACT OVER THREE GENERATIONS

Stefan Gebhardt ; Department of General Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics II, Psychiatric Center Nordbaden, Wiesloch, Germany ; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
Stephanie Hoss ; Department of General Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics II, Psychiatric Center Nordbaden, Wiesloch, Germany

Abstract

Background: Attachment parameters affect the development of self-concept and relationship patterns. However, studies on the
impact of attachment parameters on symptoms of the offspring in childhood are still lacking. We therefore investigated the influence
of attachment parameters of the grandparents on those of the parents treated in a psychiatric hospital, and finally on the symptoms
of their (grand)children. Furthermore, the impact of attachment factors on parenting style and on resilience of parents and children
has been examined.
Subjects and methods: A sample of n=50 mother-child-dyads in an inpatient setting was examined using the questionnaires FEB
(Questionnaire on the Parental Attachment; adult and child perspective), RQ2 (Relationship Questionnaire), EFB-K (Educational
Questionnaire, short form), RS13 (Resilience Scale; adult and child perspective), and CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist). Regression
analyses and correlation analyses were carried out.
Results: On grandparents’ level, attachment patterns predicted parents’ attachment patterns (p=0.012): Grandfather's care
[control] behavior correlated with more [less] mother's care for their own children (0.002 [0.005]). Control behavior of the
grandfather was negatively correlated with the resilience of their daughters (p=0.033). On parents’ level, a secure attachment style
predicted a less overreacting parenting style (p=0.004), whereas an anxious-avoiding (p=0.035) or clinging attachment style
(p=0.044) predicted an increased overreacting parenting style. On child’s level, mental (esp. attentional (p=0.013) and externalizing
(p=0.032)) symptoms correlated negatively with the level of care reported by the mother.
Conclusion: Functional attachment behavior at the grandparents’ level correlated significantly with functional attachment
behavior at the parental level, which in turn correlated with reduced mental symptoms at the child’s level. The parenting style seems
to play a mediator role for the development of attachment between mother and child, with resilience mediating between attachment
and the onset of mental disorders. The results point to the crucial role of attachment parameters for mental development with
corresponding implications for psychotherapy.

Keywords

attachment; childhood; parenting style; resilience; mental symptoms; psychotherapy

Hrčak ID:

275933

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/275933

Publication date:

3.5.2022.

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