Parent and Peer Attachment in Late Childhood and Early Adolescence

This study investigated child and early adolescent relationships with parents and peers within the theoretical framework of attachment. A cross-sectional sample of 279 fourth, sixth, and eighth graders completed two self-report measures assessing attachment to parents and friends. Fourth graders des...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of early adolescence 2005-05, Vol.25 (2), p.223-249
Main Authors: Nickerson, Amanda B., Nagle, Richard J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Age Differences
Attachment Behavior
Children & youth
Early Adolescents
Gender Differences
Grade 4
Grade 6
Grade 8
Parent Child Relationship
Parent Role
Parents & parenting
Peer Relationship
Peer relationships
Personal relationships
Transitions
Trust (Psychology)
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Summary:This study investigated child and early adolescent relationships with parents and peers within the theoretical framework of attachment. A cross-sectional sample of 279 fourth, sixth, and eighth graders completed two self-report measures assessing attachment to parents and friends. Fourth graders described more trusting and communicative relationships with parents than sixth or eighth graders. Older early adolescents turned to peers to fulfill attachment functions of proximity seeking and safe haven more often than children, although all participants reported that parents primarily served secure base functions. Females reported more trust, communication, and overall attachment to peers than males. Grade, sex, and views of attachment relationships to parents and peers predicted the introduction of friends into the attachment hierarchy. Participants who viewed relationships with parents as less secure were more likely to select peers to fulfill attachment functions. The important and complementary roles of parents and peers and their implications are discussed.
ISSN:0272-4316
1552-5449
DOI:10.1177/0272431604274174