Attachment style as a predictor for children’s memory accuracy for negative life events

The current study was designed to examine the role of both parents’ and children’s attachment style in children’s memory accuracy regarding negative events. A total of 55 children aged 3 to 5 years and their parents participated in the study. Each child was interviewed about four, personally-experienced, emotionally salient events. Results showed that children of more avoidantly attached parents made more commission errors in response to both specific and misleading questions about negative events. When asked misleading questions about negative events, more securely attached children made fewer omission errors than less secure children. Typical age trends were found. Results are interpreted from theoretical perspectives and practical and legal implications are also discussed.