Table 5.
Factors affecting the quality of Attachment
| Factor | Studies describing that factor is related to attachment security | Studies describing No. relation to attachment security |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Age at placement | 2 (−), 11 (−) |
3*,5*, 6,7*, 13* *studies with all children placed before 24 months |
| 2. Number of previous placements | 7 | |
| 3. Length of time in placement | 7(+)* *Indicators of good quality of care |
13*
*Indicators of low quality of care |
| 4. Gender |
2b − c* (+) *Girls in response to change from institutional to Foster care |
13 |
| 5. Genetic Factors |
1* *In interaction with type of care |
|
| 6. Adoption Status | 11 (+) | |
| 7. Contact with Biological Parents | 11 (−) | |
| 8. Organisation of Foster Home and Learning Materials | 4a (+) | |
| 9. Quality of Caregiving |
2a (+)* *At baseline |
2b* *At follow up, had changes in caregiver |
| 10. Number of Children in Foster Care Home | 11 (−) | |
| 11. Caregiver’s characteristics | ||
| a. Sensitivity |
11 (+), 7 (+), 4a (−)* *sample of children with medical fragility |
13* *Caregivers with low sensitivity scores |
| b. Childhood trauma | 4a (−) | |
| c. State of Mind | 5 (+) | |
| d. Motivation | 4b | |
| e. Experience | 11 (−) | |