Caregiver's Sensitivity and Attachment Security in Early Childhood Education Settings in the Kpandai District of the Republic of Ghana

Abstract

Caregiver sensitivity in early childhood education settings is considered as a significant association moderating between the caregivers and children's learning outcome. The current study advance the very limited knowledge about Ghanaian early childhood education settings particularly in Kpandai District and use a wide range of prior literature based on sensitivity hypothesis of attachment theory that relates sensitive nurture with attachment security. The study is quantitative in nature design to analyze the relation between 16 caregivers’ sensitivity and attachment security of their preschool children. Two instruments were used for assessment: Caregiver Behaviour for Pre-schoolers Q-set and Attachment Behaviour Q-set Version 3.0. The study posits a level of sensitivity similar to the previously reported, and a slightly higher level of children security was found. Regarding the relation between both variables, sensitivity was found as a predictor of attachment security. The study, however, recommended a replication of this study in other cultural contexts in which the paternal figure be included and with other development conditions groups.

Keywords: caregiver sensitivity, attachment relations, early childhood education

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-17-05

Publication date:October 31^st 2020