Attachment patterns and separation anxiety symptom

Abstract

Literature suggests that child attachment and anxiety symptoms are related. One purpose of the present study was to assess this relatedness, whether attachment patterns related differently to separation anxiety symptoms (fear of being alone, and fear of abandonment). Three attachment patterns assessed were secure, avoidant and ambivalent attachment. Findings indicate that ambivalent attachment was most consistently related with higher separation anxiety symptoms. And also, different associations were found between the three patterns of attachment and separation anxiety symptoms. In conclusion, responsive and supportive mothers were more dependable for the child's health than non responsive mothers.