Interpersonal vulnerability to depression in high-risk children: The role of insecure attachment and reassurance seeking

John R.Z. Abela, Benjamin L. Hankin, Emily A.P. Haigh, Philippe Adams, Theresa Vinokuroff, Lisa Trayhern

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examined the relation between insecure attachment and depression in a sample of 140 children (69 boys and 71 girls; ages 6 to 14) whose parents have a history of major depressive episodes. In addition, we examined whether this relation was moderated by excessive reassurance seeking. Children completed measures assessing insecure attachment to parents, excessive reassurance seeking, and current depressive symptoms. In addition, children and their parents participated in a semistructured clinical interview assessing children's current and past history of depressive symptoms and episodes. In line with hypotheses, children who exhibited high levels of both insecure attachment and excessive reassurance seeking experienced higher levels of current depressive symptoms than children who possessed only one or neither of these interpersonal risk factors. Furthermore, the interaction of insecure attachment with excessive reassurance was associated with a past history and greater severity of depressive episodes even after controlling for current depressive symptoms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)182-192
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

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