Factores de riesgo de maltrato y representaciones de apego en niños que viven en una residencia de protección a la infancia

The attachment representations of 65 children aged from three to six years who have suffered emotional abuse and/ or neglect and who live in a protective residence are studied. The relationship between maltreatment and child attachment and how maternal risk factors mediate this relationship is explored. It is shown that maltreatment, when coupled with an accumulation of risk factors and, in particular, gender-based violence, mental health, and addiction problems, decreases attachment security and increases disorganization.