Validity of a Child Interview Measure of Attachment as Used in Child Custody Evaluations

Abstract

21 girls and 23 boys were interviewed using the Parent Attachment Structured Interview to measure their attachments to mother and father. Attachment scores were then correlated with scores on the internalizing, externalizing and social competence scales of the Child Behavior Checklist. For boys the greater the positive attachment to fathers the fewer the internalizing behavior problems and the greater the social competence. Positive maternal attachment for boys was also positively related to social competence. For girls positive attachment to fathers predicted fewer problems internalizing behavior. Contrary to expectations, maternal positive attachment for girls was negatively correlated with social competence. Recommendations for use of the modification of the child interview measure are given with regard to its use in child custody litigation.