Inhibited attachment disordered behavior in institutionalized preschool children: links with early and current relational experiences

Abstract

Inhibited attachment disordered behavior (IADB) is characterized by difficulty in establishing an attachment relationship with a primary caregiver; is associated with persistent social and emotional problems; and is observed most frequently in contexts of pathological care such as institutional rearing. Here, we seek to enhance understanding of the conditions that give rise to IADB among institutionalized children by examining prior family experiences of neglect and deprivation and concurrent relational experiences at the institution. The sample is comprised of 146 children, between 36 and 78 months. IADB was assessed using a semistructured interview administered to the child’s primary caregiver. Results revealed that both pre-institutionalization experiences (e.g., parental abandonment) and current relational ones (e.g. low quality of child–caregiver relationship) predicted IADB. Findings are discussed in light of the need to promote conditions which foster the establishment and maintenance of the child’s selective attachment to a caregiving figure.