Maternal mentalization : do online and offline measures independently predict attachment security?

• Main Author: Colbeck, K.
• Other Authors: Fonagy, P.
• Published: University College London (University of London) 2014
• Subjects: 618.3
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.639588

Aims: It has been demonstrated that online and offline measures of maternal mentalization use relatively distinct neurological systems. As the unique influence of each on infant attachment classification has not yet been investigated, this study aims to compare the two. Method: A combined sample of “referred” and “non-referred” mother-infant pairs were coded for reflective functioning and representational risk at time one, and reflective functioning, representational risk, infant attachment style and mind-mindedness at time two, 12 months later. The relationships between these measures were investigated using correlation and regression analyses. Results: Reflective function and mind-mindedness were concurrently and predictively related, but with a shared variance of only 6%. Reflective function was not associated with attachment classification and mind-mindedness was associated with attachment security, but in the opposite direction than predicted. Conclusion: Reflective function and mind-mindedness may capture different aspects of mentalizing (explicit vs. implicit). Relationships between the measures of mentalization and infant attachment classification were not as predicted.