Security of Attachment in 8–12‐Year‐Olds: A Revised Version of the Separation Anxiety Test, its Psychometric Properties and Clinical Interpretation

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Abstract
This study examined the reliability and validity of an adapted version of the Separation Anxiety Test (SAT) for 8–12–year‐old children. Clinical (N= 21) and nonclinical (N= 21) participants were compared on responses to the SAT coded using the Seattle scoring indices. Inter‐rater reliability was established at an acceptable level, however, test‐retest reliability and internal test construction were less satisfactory. Sample comparisons found the clinical participants described themselves as less securely attached and more avoidant of emotional expression than the control participants. The indices of attachment security were also related to various socioemotional aspects of functioning. In addition, the results indicated that describing “self” as different from a similar “other” child was significantly related to parental reports of poor social competence. Results are discussed in relation to an Attachment Theory framework as well as from a clinical perspective.