Disorganized/Disoriented Attachment Relationships in Maltreated Infants

This study reanalyzed the attachment relationships of a sample of 12-month-old maltreated and nonmaltreated infants using the Main and Solomon (in press) classification system for disorganized/disoriented (Type D) attachments. As predicted, we found a preponderance of disorganized/disoriented attachments in the maltreatment group (82%). In contrast, only 19% of the demographically matched Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) comparison group exhibited such Type D relationships. Furthermore, boys were significantly more likely to be Type D than girls regardless of their maltreatment status. Results are discussed in terms of factors inherent in the maltreating environment that could contribute to the emergence of D relationships. We suggest that the study of the precursors, correlates, and sequelae of attachment in maltreatment samples would make important contributions to the validation of the new D category.