Does Temperament Influence the Parent-Child Attachment Relationship?

Date
2011
Authors
Butler, Julie Karen
Supervisor
Shinkfield, Carol
Item type
Thesis
Degree name
Master of Health Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Auckland University of Technology
Abstract

This dissertation explores whether individual temperament influences the development of the parent-child attachment relationship. Temperament theory and attachment theory are explored, and neuro-scientific research is investigated in relation to the origins and impact of temperament and attachment in infant brain development. The research method used in this study is a modified systematic literature review, with the findings summarised but not quantified, as is the case in a more traditional literature review. A considerable amount of the literature clearly delineated each construct as a separately operating entity in the development of the infant. However, many researchers have investigated these constructs simultaneously and established that temperament and attachment are in fact interwoven and are bi-directional in nature; in other words, both exert their influence on development. This study shows that both parent and child are active participants in the parent-child attachment relationship, each bringing their individual contributions to bear on its development. The research implies that temperament does, therefore, exert its influence on the development of the parent-child attachment relationship. Furthermore, the findings clearly highlight that the parent/s have the greater resolve within the relationship and that difficulties in individual temperament styles are able to be mediated through a parent’s sensitivity and responsiveness to the infant’s signals and developmental needs.

Description
Keywords
Child , Attachment , Pyschotherapy , Temperament , Infant
Source
DOI
Publisher's version
Rights statement