A longitudinal study of the relation between representations of attachment in childhood and cognitive functioning in childhood and adolescence.

85 Icelandic children (41 girls and 44 boys) participated in a study on the relations among attachment representations (AREP), self-confidence (SEC), and cognitive functioning (COF) in childhood and adolescence. AREP and SEC were assessed at age 7 on the basis of children's responses to a separation story and observations made by independent observers. COF was measured at ages 7, 9, 12, 15, and 17 yrs based on a battery of Piagetian tasks assessing concrete and formal reasoning. Children with a secure attachment representation were favored in their cognitive performance in childhood and adolescence. Children with an insecure–disorganized attachment representation were particularly disadvantaged on deductive reasoning tasks. SEC played a significant but varying role in mediating the effects of AREP on COF. The study controlled for IQ and attention difficulties. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)