Infants in foster care: relational and environmental factors affecting attachment

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of relational and environmental factors affecting attachment security in 46 infants placed in foster homes. The study found that a majority of infants (67%) in the participant group were securely attached. Additionally, of the insecurely attached, a larger percentage of infants than anticipated displayed disorganized/disoriented patterns of attachment. The study found that organization of the foster home environment and appropriate learning materials predicted secure attachment while foster caregiver childhood trauma and involvement predicted insecure attachment. Strategies are proposed for better training and support of foster caregivers for developing secure relationships with the infants.

Notes

^aMultiple modes exist. The smallest is shown (7, 8–11 cases).

^bMultiple modes exist. The smallest is shown (5, 6–14 cases).

^cMultiple modes exist. The smallest is shown (27, 29, 34, 35–five cases).