Predicting children’s internalized behavioral problems based on family function mediated by attachment style

Family functioning and attachment styles are important variables in children's behavioral problems. But the key question is, can internalization behavioral problems in students be predicted based on attachment styles and family functioning?

To predict internalizing behavioral problems based on attachment styles and family functioning in elementary school students in Tehran.

This was a correlational study. The statistical population consisted of all elementary school students in Tehran in 1396-97 with their families, 341 (175 girls and 166 boys) using multistage cluster random sampling. Samples were selected. The tools included: of the Family Assessment Questionnaire (Epstein, Baldwin & Bishab, 1983), Child Behavior Inventory (Achenbach, 1) and Attachment Style Questionnaire (Collins & Reed, 2). Analysis was performed using Pearson correlation test and structural equations.

The results showed that family functioning directly and indirectly through attachment style predicts internalizing behavioral problems, and all three types of attachment styles are able to predict internalizing behavioral problems and attachment variable Safe has a negative impact on internalized behavioral problems (P≤0/05).

Safe attachment and effective family functioning with empathetic behaviors and appropriate emotional involvement, protective care and positive parenting can be used to prevent internalizing disorders such as anxiety and depression