Although effortful control (EC), a regulatory aspect of temperament, is associated with a wide range of developmental outcomes, knowledge about EC promoters is scarce. This study explored whether secure attachment promoted the development of EC from preschool to school age in a community sample of 903 Norwegian children. EC was measured using the parent-reported Children’s Behavior Questionnaire at four (T1) and six (T2) years of age, and attachment was measured using the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task at T1. Previous research has indicated that a child’s gender and socioeconomic status are possible covariates of EC; hence, these factors were included in the analyses. Despite considerable rank-order stability in EC, secure attachment contributed to an increase in EC. Furthermore, gender moderated the effect of attachment: secure attachment promoted EC in boys only. These findings emphasize preschool boys’ need for emotional security to facilitate effortful capacities in their transition to school.

Kristine Rensvik Viddal

Turid Suzanne Berg-Nielsen

Ming Wai Wan

Jonathan Green

Beate Wold Hygen

Lars Wichstrøm

Attachment & Human Development

Attachment & Human Development is the leading forum for the presentation of empirical research, reviews and clinical case studies that reflect contemporary advances in attachment theory and research.     The journal addresses the growing demand from the domains of psychology, psychiatry, psychotherapy and related disciplines including nursing and social work, for a clear presentation of ideas, methods and research based on attachment theory.

Attachment and Human Development is a leading forum for presenting empirical research, reviews, and clinical case studies that reflect contemporary advances in attachment theory and research. The journal addresses the growing demand from the fields of psychology, psychiatry, psychotherapy, and related disciplines, including nursing and social work, for a clear presentation of ideas, methods, and research based on attachment theory.

《Attachment and Human Development》是一个领先的论坛，专注于展示与依附理论和研究相关的实证研究、综述和临床案例研究。该期刊满足心理学、精神病学、心理治疗及相关学科（包括护理和社会工作）日益增长的需求，清晰地呈现基于依附理论的思想、方法和研究成果。

Attachment and Human Development

Secure attachment promotes the development of effortful control in boys

Findings emphasize preschool boys’ need for emotional security to facilitate effortful capacities in their transition to school and gender moderated the effect of attachment: secure attachment promoted EC in boys only.

Category	Quartile
心理学	2
心理学, 心理学发育	3

Secure attachment promotes the development of effortful control in boys

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Journal Info

Category	Quartile
PSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENTAL	1