Abstract
The links between Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and temperament received relatively little research attention, in spite of their clinical and social relevance. Children with RAD sustain disproportionate burdens of early adversity related to their caregiving environment. However, there seem to be important individual differences in susceptibility to adversity, since only a small number of children show signs of RAD. Based on the work of Zeanah and Fox, this review aims to bring new insights to this relevant clinical issue in light of recent research. A differential susceptibility hypothesis will be considered as a promising and innovative approach toward a further understanding of the links between temperament and RAD.
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Raquel Corval
Raquel Corval is a researcher at the Psychology Research at the University of Minho, currently finishing her PhD on the attachment disorders field.
Ana Mesquita
Ana Mesquita is a principal investigator at the Psychological Neurosciences Laboratory (University of Minho). Her research interests have focused on the neurobiological impact of early life stress, addressing the contribution of genetic and contextual factors for children socio-emotional development.
Isabel Soares
Isabel Soares is a full professor at School of Psychology (University of Minho) leading a research team focused on attachment and development in high-risk groups of families and children, using a multi-level approach involving the links between genes, brain, and behavior.