A cross-cultural study on attachment relationships among Latino and Caucasian families in an early head start program

This qualitative study is a cross-cultural study on maternal perceptions of attachment in Latino and Caucasian cultures. Specifically, it examined maternal perceptions of attachment in Latino culture, maternal perceptions of attachment in Caucasian culture, and the similarities and differences in maternal perceptions in both cultures. Participants of the study engaged in a semi-structured interview related to their perception of attachment in their respective cultures. Data analysis revealed similarities and differences in regards to maternal perceptions of attachment in Latino and Caucasian culture. Latina mothers described attachment as an emotional bond, through the way their children expressed themselves, close proximity, distress during separation times, and meeting children's needs. Additionally, Caucasian mothers described attachment as a bond, emotional comfort, a co-dependency, their children looking for them, and distress during separation times. Further data analysis revealed similarities consisted of spending time together and making memories, and the immediate family and extended family members as influences on their mother-child relationships. On the contrary, findings revealed diverging perceptions of their own cultures and influences of their childhood experiences.