The role of parent–child attachment in toddlers’ executive functions: a longitudinal two-parent study
Abstract
This longitudinal study examined the respective contributions of father-child and mother-child attachment to children's later executive functions (EF) during toddlerhood. The sample included 88 Canadian toddlers (51% boys) and their parents (89% White) visited in their homes at about 13 (T1) and 19 (T2) months of age. At T1, father-child and mother-child interactions were evaluated using the Attachment Q-Set. At T2, toddlers' hot and cool components of EF were assessed using behavioral tasks. Findings from two sets of analyses converged to suggest that developing secure attachment relationships with both parents may be optimal for the development of cool EF during toddlerhood.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
Family Dynamics and Relationships
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Attachment & Human Development
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 101–120
- Publication date
- 28 January 2026
- Language
- EN