Research Article

The association of unresolved attachment status and cognitive processes in maltreated adolescents

  1. Linda Webster1,*,
  2. Rachelle Kisst Hackett1,
  3. David Joubert2

Article first published online: 8 JAN 2009

DOI: 10.1002/car.1053

Issue

Child Abuse Review

Child Abuse Review

Volume 18, Issue 1, pages 6–23, January/February 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Webster, L., Hackett, R. K. and Joubert, D. (2009), The association of unresolved attachment status and cognitive processes in maltreated adolescents. Child Abuse Rev., 18: 6–23. doi: 10.1002/car.1053

Author Information

  1. 1

    University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, USA

  2. 2

    University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

*Ph.D., Associate Professor, Benerd School of Education, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 21 JAN 2009
  2. Article first published online: 8 JAN 2009
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 30 JUL 2008

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Keywords:

  • attachment;
  • child maltreatment;
  • cognitive processes;
  • adolescents

Abstract

This exploratory investigation sought to gain a better understanding of the mental representations of attachment in maltreated adolescents, and how, if at all, unresolved attachment representations are related to cognitive processes in this population. Measures of cognitive functioning, attachment state of mind and parent ratings on attention were obtained from 38 adolescents with a history of maltreatment. Results showed that maltreated adolescents with unresolved states of mind in regard to attachment scored significantly lower on measures of cognitive processes of attention, working memory and cognitive efficiency, even when intelligence was controlled for in the analyses. Theoretical considerations, implications for future research and clinical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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