Comparative study of the attachment representation of a sample of Lebanese boys and girls aged 3 to 5, using the Bretherton attachment story completion task (ASCT)

Abstract

Attachment theory suggests that early relationships with caregivers shape attachment representations, influencing emotional regulation and interpersonal dynamics throughout life. This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining gender differences in attachment representation among Lebanese preschoolers within a collectivist context, using the Bretherton Attachment Story Completion Task (ASCT). The aim is to understand how boys and girls internalize and express attachment themes in Lebanese culture. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this study combines quantitative and qualitative analyses to provide a comprehensive view of children’s attachment representations. Quantitative findings revealed no significant gender differences in overall attachment representation, suggesting similar internalizations of attachment among boys and girls at this early stage. However, item-level analyses indicated that boys more often portrayed parental figures as intrusive or unresolved, whereas girls tended to represent parents as emotionally available. The qualitative analysis further revealed that girls were more likely to express emotions verbally and seek comfort through words, while boys leaned towards physical proximity and described caregivers in authoritative roles. These patterns align with collectivist cultural expectations, where boys may be socialized for independence and emotional restraint, while girls are encouraged to seek relational support. The study's limitations include a small, homogenous sample and the use of a newly adapted Arabic ASCT, which may limit generalizability. Future research with longitudinal designs and diverse samples could better elucidate the evolution of attachment representations and the role of cultural and gender norms. Such insights could inform culturally sensitive parenting practices, fostering secure attachment across genders.