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Emotional Availability in Mother-Child and Father-Child Interactions as Predictors of Child’s Attachment Representations in Adoptive Families

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Susana Almeida

    (Psychology Research Centre (CIP) & Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Jean-Christophe Giger

    (Psychology Research Centre (CIP) & Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Sandra Mendonça

    (CDI.UP—Cooperativa de Desenvolvimento Infantil e União Parental, CRL, 8125-196 Quarteira, Portugal)

  • Marina Fuertes

    (Centro de Psicologia da Universidade do Porto (CPUP) & Escola Superior de Educação (ESELX-IPL), Campus de Benfica do IPL, 1549-003 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Cristina Nunes

    (Psychology Research Centre (CIP) & Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

Abstract

Emotional availability (EA) in parent-child interactions is associated with positive child outcomes, including attachment security. However, little is known about EA in adoptive families. This study investigated the associations between secure representations of attachment in adopted children and the adoptive parents’ EA. The participants ( n = 75) included 26 mothers, 23 fathers, and 26 children who were aged 3 to 9 years. Children completed the Attachment Story Completion Task. Adult-child dyadic relationships were assessed using the EA ® System. The results showed that the children’s and parents’ EA, age when adopted, and time elapsed since adoption were associated with more secure children’s attachment representations. Implications for family support and public policy are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Susana Almeida & Jean-Christophe Giger & Sandra Mendonça & Marina Fuertes & Cristina Nunes, 2022. "Emotional Availability in Mother-Child and Father-Child Interactions as Predictors of Child’s Attachment Representations in Adoptive Families," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:8:p:4720-:d:793401
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. van den Dries, Linda & Juffer, Femmie & van IJzendoorn, Marinus H. & Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian J., 2009. "Fostering security? A meta-analysis of attachment in adopted children," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 410-421, March.
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