Attachment security in young foster children: continuity from 2 to 3 years of age

Abstract

The present study investigated attachment patterns among 60 foster children (FC) and 42 comparison children (CC) at 2 years (T1) and again at 3 years (T2) of age, as well as stability from T1 to T2. Descriptive analyses, including cross-tabulation, were used to present attachment patterns, group differences and stability from T1 to T2. Most FC were securely attached at T1, and no group differences were identified; neither the FC nor CC differed from typical children in their attachment patterns. Furthermore, the majority of children in both groups received the same classification at both time points. Among FC who were securely attached at T1, a majority remained so at T2, while among those classified as disorganized at T1, significantly less remained so at T2. The study suggests that young FC have the possibility to form enduring secure attachments when placed in stable and well-functioning foster homes.

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