Maternal psychopathology can have a server effect on the ability of mothers to attach to their children.

To ascertain the level of attachment of adults between the ages of 18–25 years of age who were raised by mothers who suffer from schizophrenic disorders and depressive spectrum disorders, then compared to adults who were raised by mothers with no formal clinical diagnosis.

This study used the Adult Attachment Questioner (AAQ), by Simpson Rholes Philips (1996) to ascertain the level of attachment of adults between the ages of 18–25 years of age who were raised by mothers who suffer from schizophrenic disorders (n = 30) and depressive spectrum disorders (n = 30). The findings of these two groups were then compared to adults who were raised by mothers with no formal clinical diagnosis (n = 30).

The findings indicated that there is a significant difference between adults who were raised by mothers with the aforementioned mental disorders (schizophrenic and depression), as compared to those who were raised by mentally healthy mothers.

The style of attachment in adults who were raised by mothers with the aforementioned clinical diagnosis (schizophrenic and depression) have insecure attachments, while the children who were raised by mentally healthy mothers have almost secure attachment style.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.