Theory and observation of attachment and its relation to child maltreatment: a review.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to review the literature on attachment and child maltreatment in relation to the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment.

METHOD

A review of the literature to date was undertaken, and a descriptive analysis of 13 studies on the quality of attachment in maltreated samples was conducted.

RESULTS

Quality of infant attachment seems to be in the most part dependent upon the sensitiveness of the mother. Not surprisingly the majority of studies demonstrates that on average maltreated children are less securely attached to their mothers than nonmaltreated children. This early mother-infant relationship is said to be internalized by the child and consequently form a prototype to which all future relationships are assimilated. Thus maltreated children may have problems forming relationships with peers, partners and their own children.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that this is the primary process by which maltreatment continues from one generation to the next. The implications of this process for the prediction and prevention of childhood maltreatment are discussed.