What
were the findings of the project?
This is a brief
summary of the findings of the project, corresponding to the three
project objectives, which serve as a preview to the report, toolkit,
and web-site produced by the project.
- There are
similarities as well as differences in attachment beliefs, values,
and practices amongst mothers from different countries of origin.
The similarities reinforce the notion that the infant-caregiver
attachment relationship and mothers’ desire for securely attached
children is universal. The differences in beliefs and values are
important to understand because they influence mothers’ attachment
practices and perceptions of child development.
- When families
migrate to Canada, their experiences of loss of home, family and
community, trauma, culture shock, and the process of acculturation,
have a large impact on mothers and children and thus provide challenges
to their attachment relationships. At the same time, mothers/families
tend to focus their energy into creating a better future for their
children.
- Agencies can help immigrant and refugee mothers, to create this 'better' future for their children by: offering support to them in overcoming the great challenges inherent in promoting attachment within a different context from that in which they were raised; and learning from and building on the strengths apparent in a group that is upholding strong values, maintaining positive practices, and incorporating new ideas in promoting attachment with their children.
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