Date of Conferral
2-26-2024
Date of Award
February 2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Education
Advisor
Mary Trube
Abstract
Health and safety protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants continue to influence practices in infant–toddler programs one western state in the United States; caregivers in the state are concerned about attachment relationships with infants and toddlers. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore caregiver perceptions of attachment relationships related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants and the influence of health and safety protocols on caregiver practices. The conceptual framework combined attachment and biobehavioral theories. Data from interviews with four infant and six toddler caregivers were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by searching for patterns and categories. Data analysis revealed four emergent themes, three of which encompass requirements for caregiver–child attachment relationships: (a) coordinated forms of communication with expanded use of technology, (b) intentional relationship building with families supported by observations and evaluations, and (c) sensitive caregiving due to safety protocols and fear of illness. The last theme, (d) intentional creative adaptations in the infant–toddler environment, curriculum, and pedagogy, encompasses requirements for caregiver practices. Findings from this study have the potential to contribute to positive social change by furthering knowledge in the field related to caregiver–child attachment relationships and how infant–toddler caregiver practices can be strengthened during both typical times and in emergencies, such as during a pandemic. This may lead to a change in future policies and procedures by government officials and leaders in the field.
Recommended Citation
Roth, Rebecca Ellen, "Caregivers' Attachment Relationships with Infants and Toddlers During the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 15488.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/15488
