Unresolved states of mind, anomalous parental behavior, and disorganized attachment: A review and meta-analysis of a transmission gap

Abstract

The current meta-analysis examines the links between unresolved representations of attachment, anomalous parental behavior, and disorganized attachment relationships in 12 studies including 851 families. We found moderate effect sizes for the associations between unresolved states of mind and anomalous behavior (r = .26), unresolved states of mind and infant disorganized attachment relationships (r = .21), and anomalous behavior and disorganized attachment relationships (r = .34). Sample characteristics, observational context, and observational measure were not associated with differences in effect sizes. Only a small part of the association between unresolved states of mind and disorganized attachment relationships was explained by the mediation of anomalous parental behavior (.26∗ .34 = .09). Other factors yet to be uncovered must mediate the influence of unresolved states of mind on infant disorganized attachment; thus, further exploration of infant, parental, ecological, and genetic factors are warranted.

Keywords:

• Attachment
• parental behavior
• meta-analysis

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by research grants to the first, fourth, and fifth author from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Ontario Mental Health Foundation, and Health Canada, by research grants to the second and third author from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (VIDI grant no. 452-04-306; NWO SPINOZA prize), and by a research grant to the sixth author from The Ontario Mental Health Foundation.

Notes

1 Data on Strange Situation behavior was missing for one dyad.

2 Sample size was estimated. Inclusion of this study does not alter the meta-analytic findings.