Early Childhood Attachments as a Protective Factor

Abstract

Research indicates that attachment is often identified as the primary protective factor. This research assessed whether attachment levels are significantly different in resilient individuals when compared with their non-resilient siblings. Siblings were differentiated by the variables of criminal record, chemical use, and the completion of high school. Sibling pairs were matched along biological and demographic criteria. All research subjects completed 4 standardized questionnaires regarding their early childhood parental, best friend, and other adult attachment experiences. The results revealed that resilient siblings had both significantly more early childhood attachment figures and significantly higher levels of attachment.

Key Words:

• Attachment
• resilience
• intra-family
• siblings