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<p>The attachment theory emphasizes the role of caregiver sensitivity in shaping children’s behavioral development. However, it remains unclear whether variations in early caregiving quality in low-risk populations influence children’s physical health across development. This study investigates whether maternal sensitivity and infant-mother attachment security are associated with children’s physical health from 0 to 14 years. We employed Bayesian generalized linear mixed models to analyze data from a low-risk Dutch sample from birth to age 14 (<i>N</i> = 193). Maternal sensitivity was assessed five times from 5 weeks to 14 years, while attachment security was assessed at 12 months using the Strange Situation Procedure. Child health complaints were recorded monthly in the first year and with intervals of 1–2 years until 14 years (<i>N</i> = 150) and categorized according to the International Classification of Primary Care: respiratory, skin, general, digestive symptoms. Higher maternal sensitivity scores in the first year of life and throughout 14 years were related to fewer total health complaints, particularly respiratory. Securely attached children showed fewer symptoms when early maternal sensitivity was higher. Insecurely attached children showed fewer health complaints, irrespective of sensitivity throughout childhood. Our findings indicate that maternal sensitivity and attachment may influence physical health. Future research should explore underlying psychobiological mechanisms.</p>

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A healthy start: examining the contribution of caregiving quality to child physical health from birth to 14 years

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月6日

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  • Stefania V. Vacaru,
  • Henrik Eckermann,
  • Georgia Graat,
  • Carolina de Weerth

摘要

The attachment theory emphasizes the role of caregiver sensitivity in shaping children’s behavioral development. However, it remains unclear whether variations in early caregiving quality in low-risk populations influence children’s physical health across development. This study investigates whether maternal sensitivity and infant-mother attachment security are associated with children’s physical health from 0 to 14 years. We employed Bayesian generalized linear mixed models to analyze data from a low-risk Dutch sample from birth to age 14 (N = 193). Maternal sensitivity was assessed five times from 5 weeks to 14 years, while attachment security was assessed at 12 months using the Strange Situation Procedure. Child health complaints were recorded monthly in the first year and with intervals of 1–2 years until 14 years (N = 150) and categorized according to the International Classification of Primary Care: respiratory, skin, general, digestive symptoms. Higher maternal sensitivity scores in the first year of life and throughout 14 years were related to fewer total health complaints, particularly respiratory. Securely attached children showed fewer symptoms when early maternal sensitivity was higher. Insecurely attached children showed fewer health complaints, irrespective of sensitivity throughout childhood. Our findings indicate that maternal sensitivity and attachment may influence physical health. Future research should explore underlying psychobiological mechanisms.