Browsing by Author "Vihanto, Pauliina"

Objectives. According to previous research higher level of early attachment security is associated with lower level of externalizing symptoms later in childhood and adolescence. The aim of this Master´s Thesis was to study whether the early attachment between the mother and the child as well as the father and the child is associated with externalizing symptoms in children in middle childhood. In addition, the aim was to study whether there is a difference in the association between the child´s externalizing symptoms and maternal versus paternal attachment security. Methods. The data used is a part of the PREDO cohort study (Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction). Two samples of data were selected: maternal sample (n=1662) and paternal sample (n = 1027). Each parent filled in a questionnaire assessing the security of the parent´s attachment to their child during the first year of the child´s life. The child´s level of externalizing symptoms in middle childhood was assessed with the CBCL questionnaire filled in by the mother. The association between early attachment security and externalizing symptoms was studied using linear and gamma regression models. Results and Conclusions. According to the results higher level of early mother-child attachment security was associated with lower level of externalizing symptoms in children in middle childhood. However, early paternal attachment security was not associated with the level of externalizing symptoms in children. Externalizing symptoms are common and can lead to harmful consequences for the individual over the life course. Thus, the finding that the level of externalizing symptoms can possibly be reduced through supporting the mothers’ attachment to their child in the first year is important.