Attachment in Middle Childhood

Kathryn A. Kerns (Editor), Rhonda A. Richardson (Editor)

This book describes effective ways to conceptualize and measure attachment in 6- to 12-year-olds--a period when children are increasingly independent yet still rely on parents for care. Presented are longitudinal data that illuminate whether the quality of attachment in middle childhood can be predicted by assessments earlier in life, and what variables may explain change over time. Also examined are the implications of attachment for children's social and emotional functioning, their academic development, and the later emergence of adolescent problems. Author Biography Kathryn A. Kerns, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Psychology at Kent State University. Her current research focuses on parent/n-/child attachment in middle childhood, including assessment issues and how attachment is related to children's social and emotional development. She has over 30 publications, including the edited book [i]Family and Peers: Linking Two Social Worlds[/i]. Dr. Kerns's research has been funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Mental Health. Rhonda A. Richardson, PhD, is Associate Professor in the School of Family and Consumer Studies at Kent State University. Her research interests relate to understanding and strengthening the family as a context for adolescent development, with a particular focus on parent/n-/child communication in early adolescence, and parenting education for parents of middle school students. Dr. Richardson holds the Certified Family Life Educator credential, awarded by the National Council on Family Relations. Read more