Parental perception of effectiveness of Q-sort methodology in measuring attachment in children with atypical behaviors

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Date
1995-04-27
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Volume Title
Publisher
Virginia Tech
Abstract

The effectiveness of the Attachment Behavior Q-Sort in measuring attachment in children with atypical behaviors was examined in this study. Data collected from interviews, structured and unstructured observation, and parental sorting of the Q-Sort by ten families provided insight about the effectiveness of the instrument and attachment behaviors. The Maternal Behavior Q-Sort was also completed by the investigator to provide additional information about maternal qualities in this population. Results of this study indicate the Attachment Behavior Q-Sort with modification of some statements may be effective in measuring attachment behaviors of some members of this population. Because this instrument uses aspects of mobility to measure attachment behaviors, its usage with children who have mild to severe limitations in physical mobility is very questionable. Additional findings indicate social support may be a factor in influencing the interaction patterns of mothers and thus may also impact on the development of the attachment relationship.

Description
Keywords
measurement instruments
Citation