Verissimo, Santos, Fernandes, Shin, and Vaugn (2014) conducted the research to examine how secure attachment with their mothers supports preschool children’s social competence in their peer group. 147 preschool children and their mothers participated in the study. Most of the mothers had graduated from university, and most of the families had socioeconomic status above median. The research was a longitudinal study. To determine the children’s attachment security, researchers measured attachment representations using the story-completion game. Each child was asked to complete five attachment-related stories; for example, describing what would happen if parents went on an overnight trip while the child stayed at home with their aunt. Researchers graded the scores based on the child’s attitude and thought towards the situation and the caregiver.
Then, the children’s social competence was measured, using three indicators. The first was social engagement and motivation. Researchers observed the children’s behavior while initiating interaction with their …show more content…
Of the three dimensions of social competence from the research, I especially wanted to examine peer acceptance. I have a friend who seems to have developed insecure attachment with her mother when she was young. Her mother did not give enough praise and love to her, and treated her differently from her brother. Now, this friend shows little peer acceptance and cannot maintain friendships. Thus, my hypothesis is that children with insecure attachment to their caregivers would struggle to gain peer acceptance after they have grown up. This is significant for caregivers, because if they know that their behavior towards their children will affect the children’s social competence for their whole lives, these caregivers may pay attention to make good relationships with their
Then, the children’s social competence was measured, using three indicators. The first was social engagement and motivation. Researchers observed the children’s behavior while initiating interaction with their …show more content…
Of the three dimensions of social competence from the research, I especially wanted to examine peer acceptance. I have a friend who seems to have developed insecure attachment with her mother when she was young. Her mother did not give enough praise and love to her, and treated her differently from her brother. Now, this friend shows little peer acceptance and cannot maintain friendships. Thus, my hypothesis is that children with insecure attachment to their caregivers would struggle to gain peer acceptance after they have grown up. This is significant for caregivers, because if they know that their behavior towards their children will affect the children’s social competence for their whole lives, these caregivers may pay attention to make good relationships with their