In this study we examined the relation between maternal sensitivity and child
attachment security, one of the core propositions of attachment theory, in a
Japanese sample. Attachment security was assessed with the Attachment Q-Sort at the
ages of 14 and 24 months. At the same ages, ratings were obtained for the
mothers’ sensitivity in interactions with their children. The expected
significant relationship between maternal sensitivity and child security was found
both at 14 and 24 months. Maternal sensitivity showed moderate stability between the
two ages. LISREL analysis showed that the correlation between maternal sensitivity
and infant security at 24 months is not fully explained by the correlation between
sensitivity and security 10 months earlier. This indicates that maternal sensitivity
continues to play a significant role in the development of a secure attachment
relationship in the second year of life.
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