Maternal sensitivity assessed during the Strange Situation Procedure predicts child's attachment quality and reunion behaviors

The 72-item version maternal behavior Q-set (MBQS; Pederson & Moran, 1995) was used to assess maternal behaviors (N = 74) during the Strange Situation Procedure. Results indicated that the MBQS scores significantly differentiated infant attachment categories and were significantly associated with a series of infants’ reunion behaviors.

► Maternal behaviors were observed during the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP).
► Maternal sensitivity assessed during the SSP predicted child's attachment patterns.
► Maternal sensitivity assessed during the SSP predicted child's reunion behaviors.
► A slightly modified maternal behavior Q-set (MBQS) produced significant results.
► This is the first study to use the MBQS during the SSP.