Abstract: The pattern of social connection is a parameter that is often correlated with the life quality of the individual. Its development can be influenced by a large array of factors, among which, according to literature data, the attachment type is highly important. Objective: The current study aimed to identify the relationship between the attachment type, on one hand, and the age of motherhood and socio-demographic variables, on the other hand. It also evaluated the potential usefulness of the Draw-a-Person (DAP) projective test in the early diagnose of attachment dysfunctional types in young and adult mothers.
Method: The study design was cross-sectional. The study group comprised 60 women, 13 to 43 years old (M = 21,18, SD = 6,37), who gave birth recently (less than a month before) and agreed to participate. Their socio-demographic data were collected through a structured interview. Subsequently, they answered to the Adult Attachment Scale and completed the DAP test. The data analysis was run both at the descriptive and the statistic level, the latter consisting of t-tests, Pearson’s correlation and linear regression.
Results: Dysfunctional (especially dismissive-avoidant) attachment type was found to be more frequent in teenage mothers.A number of socio-demographic factors (such as rural background and the structure of maternal family) and graphic characteristics (e.g. left-oriented drawings, continuous outline), were also associated to early motherhood. Several DAP markers (e.g. for uncertainty and body integrity) were statistically associated to dysfunctional attachment.
Conclusions: Our findings are arguments for running further research, oriented towards the in-depth exploration of the risk factors associated to early motherhood and dysfunctional attachment. The early identification of these cases (also via the DAP test) can facilitate prevention or, if needed, psychotherapeutic intervention. Addressing them in a timewise, responsible and adequate manner can prevent their negative influence on the child’s psycho-emorional status.