Identifier

etd-04282011-095509

Degree

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore whether or not mothers’ attitudes, as expressed verbally in a group setting, were associated with the attachment style of the child and the insightfulness of the mother. The Circle of Security (CoS) was used as a 27 week group intervention for mothers who had become clients of a child welfare agency. Pre- and post test ratings were obtained for children’s attachment security and mothers’ insightful understanding of their children, using the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) and the Insightfulness Assessment (IA), respectively. This study created scales for both Warmth/Empathy and Concern/Worry to rate attitudes of the mothers toward their children as expressed in group sessions over the course of the intervention. This study used a multiple case study design (n=8). Both qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed. There did appear to be an association between mothers’ attitudes, attachment security and insightfulness. However, many limitations were noted, principally due to the small sample size.

Date

2011

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Page, Timothy

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.1168

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