The influence of attachment and temperament on venipuncture distress in 14-month-old infants: The Generation R Study

ObjectiveThis study examined the effects of attachment and temperament on infant distress during venipuncture.MethodThe study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a prospective population-based study. Two different research procedures (i.e., blood sampling and the Ainsworth Strange Situation Procedure) yielded measures of venipuncture distress and attachment security and disorganization in 246 infants aged 14 months. Four temperament traits (distress to limitations, fear, recovery from distress, and sadness) were assessed using the maternally reported Infant Behavior Questionnaire – Revised, at the age of 6 months.ResultsThere were no differences between mean levels of distress during venipuncture in infants classified as having insecure attachment, but there was a trend for disorganized attachment. The temperament traits were not related to distress. However, children with a disorganized attachment and higher temperamental fear had more venipuncture distress.ConclusionWhen different risk factors are present simultaneously, infant distress is heightened.

Research highlights▶ Insecure attachment does not affect infants’ distress during venipuncture. ▶ There is a trend for disorganized attachment to increase venipuncture distress. ▶ Temperament traits are not related to venipuncture distress. ▶ Infants with both disorganized attachment and temperamental fear have more distress.