Attachment security in Georgian foster children: the role of parental sensitivity and child internalizing and externalizing behavior

Abstract

The present study examines how children’s behavioral problems and different dimensions of foster parents’ sensitivity contribute to attachment security in foster children. The sample included 61 foster children, aged 33 to 90 months, and their foster mothers. Higher overall sensitivity, greater supportive presence, and lower hostility of foster mothers were associated with higher attachment security. Supportive presence emerged as a protective factor for attachment security in the context of externalizing behavioral problems. Cluster analysis identified three distinct parenting profiles. Children whose caregivers demonstrated high supportive presence, high respect for autonomy, and low hostility showed the highest attachment security. In contrast, parental hostility was consistently associated with lower security and emerged as a detrimental factor. The findings suggest that interventions for foster families should prioritize both enhancing parental sensitivity and reducing hostility. Moreover, foster parents of children with externalizing behavioral problems may require additional support and training.