Steven D. Stagg and Yi Chih Li 2019. Transitional object use, attachment, and help‐seeking behaviour in Taiwanese adolescents. Asian Journal of Social Psychology. 22 (2), pp. 163-171. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajsp.12352
| Title | Transitional object use, attachment, and help‐seeking behaviour in Taiwanese adolescents |
|---|---|
| Type | Journal article |
| Authors | Steven D. Stagg and Yi Chih Li |
| Abstract | Transitional object use is psychologically beneficial for young children, but research has suggested that maintaining transitional object use into middle childhood may be associated with negative behaviour. Little is known about the continuation of transitional object use into adolescence, and few studies have been conducted with non-Western populations. To examine differences in attachment and attitudes to help seeking in adolescents who did and did not use a transitional object, 723 adolescents from Taiwan (M age = 14 years) were asked about their current and past use of transitional objects. Measures of attachment were obtained using the Revised Adult Attachment Scale, and attitude toward help was measured using the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale. In total, 37% of the sample continued transitional object use in adolescence. Current use of a transitional object differentiated the sample on the measures of attachment and help seeking. Transitional object users were less likely to have secure attachments and less likely to express positive attitudes toward seeking help. Transitional object use is prevalent in Taiwanese adolescents, and we suggest that continued use of a transitional object acts as an indicator of potential withdrawal from support offered in schools. |
| Journal | Asian Journal of Social Psychology |
| Journal citation | 22 (2), pp. 163-171 |
| ISSN | 1367-2223 |
| Year | 2019 |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1111/ajsp.12352 |
| Web address (URL) | https://doi.org/10.1111/ajsp.12352 |
| Publication dates | |
| Published in print | Jun 2019 |
| Published online | 11 Dec 2018 |