Analysis of covariance indicated that sheer frequency of touch had no relationship to infant
attachment but use of nurturing touch by mothers was associated with security of attachment.
However, the degree of infant vulnerability (i.e., perinatal complications, birthweight, and responsiveness)
moderated the effects of nurturing touch. Nurturing touch was associated with more secure
attachment for robust infants but with less secure attachment for highly vulnerable babies. Neither
maternal sensitivity nor gender appeared to moderate the relationship of touch to attachment or to have
any direct relationship to attachment outcomes. Infant vulnerability decreased the likelihood of a secure attachment while a mother’s felt security regarding her own tactile experience as a child
increased her infant’s chances of having a secure attachment. © 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights
reserved.