Foster children's attachment security in the first year after placement: A longitudinal study of predictors

• Attachment security in foster children significantly increased during the first year in care.
• Initial attachment security lowered by adverse pre-placement experiences.
• Authoritative parenting by caregivers predicted increase in attachment security.
• Foster parent's sensitivity and structure are similarly important for attachment development.
• Introverted children were especially susceptible to parenting effects.

The current study focuses on foster children's attachment formation and its factors of influence during the first year in foster placement. The sample consists of 55 children (1–6 years) and their primary foster caregiver. Analyses revealed a significant increase in foster children's attachment security. Multiple placement changes and mental illness of biological parents lowered attachment security in the beginning, while the professional background of foster parents fostered early attachment formation. Authoritative parenting was the main predictor for an increase in attachment security during the first year in placement with highly introverted children being specifically susceptible to the influence of parenting. Data point at the need of improved training and selection of foster parents.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide