• Korean Journal of Child Studies
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.125-143
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• 2005

This study focused on the importance of the attachment/caregiving system at a dyadic level, and examined relationships between maternal representations of caregiving, maternal caregiving behavior, and child attachment. Seventy-five middle-class mothers and their preschool children(ages 3-4) participated in the study. Results indicated a strong correspondence between maternal representations of caregiving and maternal caregiving behavior at the secure/insecure and ordered/disordered level. The correspondence between maternal representations of caregiving and their preschooler's attachment, and between maternal caregiving behavior and their preschooler's attachment at the secure/insecure level were also strong. The correspondence between maternal representations of caregiving and their preschooler's attachment was mediated by maternal caregiving behavior.