Social Withdrawal in Childhood

Abstract

Argues that the study of social withdrawal has been hampered by impoverished theoretical frameworks, flawed research methodologies, and the offering of premature conclusions. A developmental model is presented, showing that an inhibited temperament, when responded to with insensitivity, overprotection, and/or overcontrol will predict the establishment of an insecure attachment relationship. Empirical findings in support of this model contend that socioemotional adjustment is a joint product of transactions between temperamental dispositions in the child, socialization experiences with parents, and certain setting conditions that affect the family. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)