摘要：In this study of 79 3- and 4-year-old children,behavioral inhibition was assessed by their preschool teachers;mother-child attachment was assessed by the researchers in home visits;and mothers reported on their parenting and their child`s emotionality at 6-12 months of age. Findings were that insecure attachment was related to high child`s distress reactions to limitations (negative emotionality) in early infancy and to strong maternal rejection/hostility. Higher maternal sensitivity to child`s inhibition was related to more secure attachment. Girls were more highly inhibited than boys. Smiling and laughter (positive emotionality) in early infancy was negatively related to child`s inhibited behavior. Maternal sensitivity to child inhibition was positively related to child`s inhibited behavior. Findings are consistent with Engfer`s (1993) theory of gender differences in developmental paths into behavioral inhibition..
