Exploring the cross-cultural validity of attachment theory: a study of Egyptian mother-child dyads using the Strange Situation Procedure

Funding Sponsor

American University in Cairo

Author's Department

Psychology Department

Find in your Library

https://doi.org/10.1080/14616734.2024.2443476

All Authors

Nour M. Zaki Maya A. Shehata Merihan E. Eissa

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Attachment and Human Development

Publication Date

1-1-2025

doi

10.1080/14616734.2024.2443476

Abstract

Given the dearth of literature on attachment theory in the Arab world, this study explores the cross-cultural validity of attachment theory within an Egyptian sample of 60 mother-child dyads through the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP). The study examines the applicability of attachment theory’s universality, normativity, and secure base hypotheses, as well as the prevalence and manifestations of insecurity in an Egyptian sample. The findings supported attachment theory’s universality, normativity and secure base hypotheses, while simultaneously pointing towards cultural variations in attachment manifestations. Specifically, this study found that all children were classifiable according to the ABC classification system, and that secure attachment was the most prevalent within the sample. Additionally, trends of exploration and crying highly aligned with Ainsworth’s findings in the Baltimore study, supporting the secure base phenomenon within this Egyptian sample. Nevertheless, resistant attachment was more common than avoidant attachment, which differs from the global prevalence. Resistant attachment also primarily took the form of inconsolability rather than anger.

First Page

419

Last Page

432

Link to Full Text
Find this item online

Share

COinS