Essay on Attachment Theory.pdfEssay On Attachment Theory

Essay on Attachment Theory
To gain a better insight of attachment theory Mary S. Ainsworth developed a concept unfolding the
underlying behaviors infants display towards their mothers. Without a mother infant bond, insecure
attachment can develop causing psychological and emotional stresses. However, a maternal bond is
needed for a healthy development in an infant, without the necessary mother infant bond negative
behaviors can arise leading to difficulties in relationships, negative behaviors, and an anxious
attachment beyond infancy caused by a lack of the care giving system. In order for children to
thrive, infants need to experience healthy nurturing relationships with their mother or caregiver.
Nevertheless, without a mother infant attachment bond the growth ... Show more content on
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Mother infant attachment plays an import role is psychosocial and behavioral dispositions.
Attachment beyond infancy Bowlby distinguishes four main levels in the development of
attachment behavior. Phase (1) orientation and signals without discrimination of figure; Phase (2)
orientation and signals directed toward one or more discriminated figures; Phase (3) maintenance of
proximity to a discriminated figure by means of locomotion; Phase (4) formation of a reciprocal
relation (Ainsworth, 1969, p. 30). Phase (1) during the first few weeks of infancy, demonstrates
ways to discriminate from one another, by responding with grasping, smiling, and crying by
responding to tactile functions and stimuli. Phase (2) infant behaves in the same way as phase one,
but in a discrete fashion by displaying behaviors by mothers voice, such as crying, smiling, and by
touch. Phase (3) infant shows behaviors when mother approaches, using signals such as, climbing,
exploring, clinging to mother, and using the mother or caregiver as a secure base. Phase (4) infant
predicts mother's movement and adopting mother's behaviors as his/her own (Ainsworth, 1969).
Early attachment is needed for healthy
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The Theory Of Attachment Theory
Attachment theory is accepted by most psychologists and psychiatrists as the best explanation for
how we develop the capacity to form relationships with others and relate to our environment. It
asserts that the methods we use to relate to others, manage our needs, express our demands, and
shape our expectations for the world are rooted in our relationships with our early caregivers.
Through these interactions we learn to balance our feelings and need states with others and to
establish our varying degrees of independence, dependence, power, and control. Attachment also
impacts self–esteem through the experience of conflict with caregivers. Early attachment is
established in infancy and is primarily based on the acknowledgment and gratification of basic
biological needs: the need to eat, the need to drink, the need to be comfortable (not cold, hot, or
wet), the need to sleep, and the need to be free from fear. This is exemplified by the infant emitting a
cry reflecting a "need state", a signal for help. The caretaker learns to recognize the infant 's
different cries to determine the specific need requiring gratification. If needs are consistently
satisfied, the infant learns to depend on and trust its caretakers. As the infant becomes assured that
its needs will be gratified, it acquires the ability to delay gratification when hearing its caretaker 's
voice or seeing the caretakers ' face. The infant understands that help is on the way. This dependency
enables an infant to

Theories Of Attachment
Attachment is defined as an emotional bond that is formed between a child and an individual that is
developed throughout the child's development. As a human, it is common for us to form emotional
bonds with people we are close with especially to our parents. Most of the studies conducted on the
attachment theory mainly focuses on the attachment between infants and their parents, although
attachments between adults can also occur. Attachment behaviour is not only observed in humans
but also in animals, which is also referred to as imprinting by biologists. This essay will examine the
attachment theory, explore Ainsworth strange situation experiments and discuss how infant
attachment styles affect later development. Early studies on attachment were conducted on animals
and one of the earliest ones was carried out by Konrad Lorenz. His studies eventually led to the
discovery of imprinting, which is defined as the behaviour that takes place during a critical period
and involves ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Learning theory of attachment proposes that infants form attachments based on the provision of
food. In other words, an infant will form attachments to whoever who feeds it. This theory also
involves the processes of classical and operant conditioning because infants form attachments by
learning that some people provide comforts and responses. The more widely accepted evolutionary
theory of attachment states that humans and biologically set to form attachments with others to
ensure survival. The theory also claims that it is care and responsiveness which forms attachment
instead of food. To explain, the greater the response towards an infant's signal, such as crying,
smiling and clinging, the more likely it is to form an attachment with the infant. With complex series
of interactions, full attachment may be formed between the caregiver and the

Attachment Theory 4
Bowlby 's maternal deprivation hypothesis assumes that continual disruption of the attachment bond
between the infant and primary caregiver would result in long term cognitive, social and emotional
difficulties for the child. To what extent has research into deprivation and privation supported this
view. Bowlby claimed that the role of a mother was essential to a child and without this essential
mother figure it would affect the child's psychological health. He called this theory the maternal
deprivation hypothesis. Bowlby conducted most of his research through observing orphans and
children in care. Bowlby held the view that if a child lacked an attachment to a mother figure it
could have major effects on the child's development. It ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Bowlby studied the effects of short term deprivation, he concluded that the child goes through three
stages of distress. Protest, the child kicks and screams in order to prevent their mother from leaving,
Despair the child appears to be apathetic but it still angry about the separation and detachment,
when the separation continues the child begins to respond to others again, when reunited with the
mother at this stage the child may have to develop a relationship over again. Long term deprivation
is a permanent separation through death or divorce. Bowlby concluded that the most common effect
of long term deprivation is separation anxiety. Separation anxiety may lead to aggressive behaviour,
clingy behaviour, detachment and psychosomatic reactions. Divorce can have a huge effect on a
child. Divorce is a long process that can affect a child for a period of years. Most children are
affected by divorce but the process can be generally more difficult for boys. According to
Hetherington and Stanley– Hagan (1999) most children are resilient enough to adapt to their parent
divorce after a period of time has passed. The main facotrs of divorce that can affect a child are, how
often they see the non– custodial parent, the lifestyle or financial implications of being part of a
single parent family and if one or both parents remarry, this can cause a massive difference in family
life due to the child having to come to terms with their new

Attachment Theory And Attachment Theories
To begin with attachment theory, first everyone should understand what the attachment is.
According to attachment means bonding between a child and caregiver or vice versa. The
attachment theory is the theory that describes the long term interpersonal relationship between the
humans. Also, it can be defined as the strong bond between parent and child, and later in peer and
romantic relationship (Metzger, Erdman, Ng 85). It generates a specific fact that how the humans
react in relationships when they get hurt, separated from loved ones and perceiving a threat.
Basically the two main types of attachment are secure and insecure. Secure attachment is the
attachments where mother and father are available for their child and during that time child
demonstrates his or her stress and reestablish the connection (Metzger, Erdman, Ng 87). Insecure
attachment is the attachment where parents are not regularly in touch with their children or they
ignore their child which built a failed emotion communication (Metzger, Erdman, Ng 87). Also, it
may be repeated from one generation to another until it is not recovered. However, as a result of
attachment theory, it is so important for children to know about it and there are also several
emotional effects on children when their parents leave to go to another county due to their
connections or bond between them. The children have to understand the importance of attachment
theory because, it may help them to solve many

Attachment Vs. Attachment Theory
This essay will comprise, firstly, of past research looking into what attachment/ attachment theory
is, focusing on Bowlby's (1973) research into why an infant's first attachment is so important.
Followed, by the work of Ainsworth et al (1978) bringing to light the findings from the strange
situation, and how the research can explain mental illness. From this and in–depth discussion
looking at how the previously discussed pieces of research have an effect on two particular
disorders, depression and anxiety; while keeping a holistic approach considering other variables
within attachment theory which have been linked with the development of these disorders.
Through–out, the implications of knowing about this potential link between attachment and mental
health will also be discussed. Finally, a conclusion will be made to whether there is a strong link
with attachment and mental illness.
Attachment theory has proven to be one of the most beneficial frameworks for understanding risk
and protection factors within developmental psychology stated by Bowlby (1973). Bowlby (1982)
suggested that children form mental representations of relationships based on their interactions with
their primary care giver. Which form a cognitive structure of embodying memories based on these
daily interactions with their attachment figure (Bretherton et al, 1990). This is more commonly
known as the internal working model, and has been used to explain how infants used this existing
representation, to

There are a lot of close relationship theory that are studied in social psychology but one of the main
theory is attachment theory. This theory not only provides a framework for understanding emotional
reactions in infants but also in love, loneliness, and grief in adults. In adults there are attachment
styles that are a type of working model that explains certain behaviors that are developed at infancy
and childhood. An infant requires two basic attitudes during their earliest interactions with adults.
The first is an attitude about their self–esteem that drives from their own perspective of their self.
The behavioral and emotional reactions of their caregiver gives information to the infant that they
are loved, cared for, important, or on the other end they are unloved, not valued, and on important.
The second is how infant's attitudes form other people, experiences and their beliefs. The term
interpersonal trust becomes very important in order to feel like their caregiver is perceived reliable
or trustworthy. It is significant that these basic attitudes are acquired before a baby develops there
language skills. Attachment theory is a positive emotional bond that develops between a child and a
caregiver. When an infant develops affection to their mother only because they are the ones who
provide food which is a reinforcement. Although attachment theory is more than just nourishment. (
cont)
An emotional bond develops therefore a child wants to stay close to

The Attachment Theory: Theory Of Development
Attachment Theory Attachment theory is a comprehensive theory of development (social and
emotional), motivations, personality and psychopathology. The theory deals with the intimacy in
relationships and the role of attachment across one's lifespan. Attachment refers to the lasting bond
an individual has with another who satisfies his need for comfort and safety from dangers.
According to John Bowlby, humans are born with a set of behaviors (attachment) that help ensure
closeness to a comforting, protecting figure (attachment figure). These attachment processes affect
human beings throughout the course of their life. The theory of relationships and personality
differences has two components – normative (explains the stages of development through which all
human beings pass and the typical patterns of behavior) and an individual difference component
(explains the stable, systematic deviations from the model behavioral patterns and strategies). Levels
of Attachment 1. Infant Attachment (Infant–Parent) ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Seeking comfort, the infant tries to gain the attention of the attachment figure by crying, pleading
and crawling to the attachment figure. This responsive caregiver eventually becomes the object of
the infant's primary attachment bond, the one the child turns to in times of uncertainty. The
caregivers can be any member of the family, close family friends, neighbors, a nanny, etc. This
forms the earliest interpersonal experience of a human being. The strength of the attachment bond is
determined by how the caregiver interacts with the child. A strong bond represents a sensitive warm,
responsive, consistent caregiver. A weak, unhealthy bond signifies a distant cold, unavailable or
inconsistent caregiver. Caregivers are the earliest form of social interaction and help socialize
individuals about how to manage their social and interpersonal

Bowlby's Attachment Theory
Developmental psychology is viewed as different types of approaches which aim to look at how
people develop. Theories such as Bowlby 's attachment theory can explain how a child 's
development can be altered by their attachment, thus leading to the ideology of the nature vs nurture
debate, nature referring to the process of biological maturation while nurture is referring to the
influence of the environment or surroundings, which involves the idea that a person learns through
experiences.(McLeod, S. A, 2012)
The psychodynamic approach was prevailed by Freud, he supported the ideology that every person
has a 'conscious', 'preconscious' and a 'subconscious'. In addition to this, he argued that the mind
consists of three different structure; the 'id' being a person instincts and internal forces, 'superego'
being the conscious and the 'ego' being the rational mind. (Simply Psychology, 2014) Freud created
the psychsexual stages, this is the development of a person by sexual elements. This was later
contradicted by Erikson who credited Freud, however stated that development was down to social
elements not sexual elements. (A2 Psychology. 2014) Behaviourism is deemed as the theory that our
development is shaped by our experiences and environment, Pavlov demonstrated this by coining
'Classical Conditioning' which is the learning by association between two things. (Psychteacher,
2014) 'Operant conditioning was later constructed by Watson who believed we all have 3 essential

The Theory Of The Attachment Theory
The attachment theory has been a topic of discussion since about 1951, when introduced by John
Bowlby. Mary Salter Ainsworth later created the famous "Strange Situation" experiment to test this
theory (Berant, 2013). Until this point, most psychologists studied adulthood behaviors and worked
backward to childhood. Bowlby believed that childhood attachments impact adulthood. (Berant,
2013). Attachment styles that the "Strange Situation" study named include secure, anxious avoidant,
anxious ambivalent, and disorganized styles (Herbers, 2014). The attachment needs beginning from
birth onward are important for optimum attachment with a caregiver and future security of the child
into adulthood. Many factors of a child's early caregiver experience create the style of attachment
whether a family member, foster parent, or institutional caregiver. This desire for attachment can
also relate to our spiritual walk through life. Caring for others and receiving God's love can fulfill
those needs and desires in our spiritual aspects. Ideal early attachment is a factor in every culture, no
matter where a person originates, or what income level and the style of attachment can determine
the type of adult behaviors the future holds for a person.
Foundations of Personality
Nature Versus Nurture
Nature versus nurture is a continual discussion among psychologists. More recent studies on the
advancements in attachment theory have created modern changes to what is now termed the
regulation

Theories Of Attachment
This essay will explain the definition of attachment, the key factor that promote the attachment and
discuss the theory of attachment, including deprivation and privation. Attachment is an emotional
and affectional tie or bonds that one person or animal forms between himself and another specific
one.
Children`s attachment is mostly based on the children`s sensitivity and understanding of the
mother`s honesty in providing comfort, support and security. In addition, behaviours of the child
that build up attachment and give the opportunity for showing contact between mother and child can
include breastfeeding, which means relaxing the baby and independent, co–sleeping, kangaroo care,
smelly mother, talking, and smiling to baby, physical touching ... Show more content on
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Bowlby's maternal deprivation hypothesis probably came from his Freudian training i.e. the baby
may be disadvantaged from positive physical gratifications during development and this may lead to
a long–term fixation. Bowlby's attachment theory in 1969 was made on ethologists work and used
principles of evolution and natural selection to explain the behaviours they observed. Bowlby
argued that babies had one special attachment. The importance of this relationship lies in the fact
that it acts as a model for all future relationships. Konrad Lorenz (1935) supports Bowlby's maternal
deprivation hypothesis, as the attachment process of imprinting is an innate

Evaluate Bowlbys Theory On Attachment And The Learning...
In the part of the essay I will describe and evaluate Bowlbys theory of Attachment and the learning
theory of Attachment. I will show strengths and weaknesses in both theories. I will use a collection
of source literature to back up and correlate this information.
Attachment, according to Emde (1982) is a deep and enduring emotional bond that connects one
person to another, across time and space. John Bowlby, and Evolutionist, believed that attachment
was pre–programmed. In order for us to survive as a species, we needed to attach to a significant
other; that its innate in us to single out a few specific individuals around us and attach to them, an so
providing a survival advantage. Bowlby rationalised that the attachment between a mother and
infant was unlike any other bond; very unlike the bond an infant would develop with another
human. He coined it 'Monotrophy'. Bowlby believed that babes had have built in social releasers that
help form attachment, for example, crying and smiling. These would stimulate responses in
caregivers. Bowlby also suggested that the infant would form only one primary attachment, and that
this attachment would act as a secure base for exploring the world. This theory was also backed up
by Mary Ainsworth 'The Strange Situation', Eysenck (2000). Another conclusion in Bowlbys
attachment theory was that there was a sensitive period; a period were imprinting was important.
This would affect attachment and have lifelong consequences. He

Attachment Theory
Longitudinal studies would be useful to determine if attachment styles are continuous throughout
life. Attachment is seen as universal, but it does not take account for different cultures, which can
lead to different types of child rearing. Also with that idea, attachment theory focuses mostly on
maternal bond with the infant. Some families all around the world can have a different caregiver
than the traditional western society. Grandparents can help raise a child due to both parents working
or the father can rear a child due to divorce or death of a mother. Anyone who takes care of a child's
needs could develop a strong bond with the child. In the article written by Hazen and Shaver (1994),
it states that the type of temperament an infant

Attachment Theory
This essay will discuss how parents and carers can support the early emotional needs of their child.
Parents or carers are usually defined as the primary caregivers for the child (e.g. biological parents,
foster carers) and they have a considerable influence on the child's emotional development. This
discussion will focus on the role of the mother in meeting a child's early emotional needs and will
draw on maternal sensitivity and responsiveness, attachment theory and factors that can affect the
quality of attachment. It will also briefly discuss the role of fathers.
Adequate support for a child's emotional needs start from birth. Key features of this include
maternal sensitivity and responsiveness. Maternal sensitivity is the mother's innate ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
Bowlby defined a secure attachment figure as being reliable and consistent (responsive) and this
provides the emotional security for the child to go out and explore the world and be able to return to
their mother when seeking comfort. In contrast, an insecure attachment may be developed through a
lack of maternal responsiveness and as a result of this infants 'may explore their environment less
and even avoid their parents altogether, and show no signs of distress when they leave the
room'(Farrington–Flint, 2014).
Although the initial attachment is usually formed with the mother, Bowlby (1969) recognised that
attachments could be formed with other important individuals, including fathers (Bowlby, 1969,
cited in Farrington–Flint, 2014). Some recent studies have demonstrated that there is a difference in
quality between mother–infant and father–infant attachments. Those children with a secure father–
infant attachment generally have greater developmental outcomes, such as fewer behavioural
problems, and higher levels of self–control (Bretherton, 2010 cited in Farrington–Flint,

Psychologists realized that the first few years of a child 's life are vital to their personality and
behavioral development. One of the most critical qualities of a child 's development is the child 's
relationship with their caregiver. From determining a child 's early attachment patterns, it can help
further the child 's behavior in later development, and the way the child will relate to others in her
years to come. The acknowledgment of this simple fact has led many psychologists to create
theories and findings to support this idea. Bowlby's creation of the Attachment Theory sparked
many famous psychologists to come up with ways to support his theory. Mary Ainsworth is known
to be most famous for her "Strange Situation" procedure, which determined how attached a child is
with their caregiver (usually the mother).
Mary Ainsworth was a Canadian developmental psychologist who was most known for her work in
early emotional attachment and the Attachment theory. Although Bowlby created the Attachment
Theory, which implied that all infants become attached to their caregivers regardless if the care is
responsive, inconsistent, or abusive. Children who receive "responsive care" during the first couple
of years of their lives will be trustful of others and identify the world as a safe and positive place.
They are not afraid o explore the world around them and can develop self–confidence and
successful relationships with others. Children who receive inconsistent care or

Attachment theory was advanced in 1951 by British psychoanalyst and psychiatrist John Bowlby.
According to this theory infants have an inborn need to be close to their main caretaker. If the
attachment is deprived from an infant Bowlby argued that the infant could suffer from negative
impacts on their development. This could possibly imply that children places in early daycare will
later in life suffer consequences for this.
The basis of attachment theory can be linked to Sigmung Freud 's (1926) cupboard love. Freud
suggested that infants become attached to their main caretaker because the caretaker is able to
satisfy the infants physiological needs. More specifically Freud believed an infant would attach
themselves to the individual that is their source of food. In 1935 Austrian zoologist Konrad Lorenz 's
research suggested that non–human species developed an instant bond with the first moving object
they encounter. While Lorenz 's research was mainly centered around ducklings it touched on the
idea that innate behaviours can strongly affect attachment.
In 1951 John Bowlby developed the concept of attachment theory. He argued that infants are
genetically predisposed to form an attachment with their mothers. This statement was based off his
study of children separated from their homes during World War Two, commissioned by the World
Health Organization. Bowlby argued that the period between the child 's age of 6 months and 3
years was especially crucial towards this bond. Due

The Theory Of Attachment Theory Essay
B1/A2/A*1–John Bowlby's attachment theory is a positive aspect to this transition as the child are
likely to gain secure attachments with their key worker which enables them to work closely with
each other, this then allows the child to be more comfortable with any support they receive
throughout the process, however the child may become too attached to their key worker and may
face issues later when the times comes for them to separate therefore it is important for children to
spend time with other members of staff. Children can be attached to other practitioners other than
their key worker so it is important for both to communicate to ensure that the key worker knows
everything about the child and keep on track with any paperwork they have to complete about the
child and keep track of the child's progress and development. I think that Bowlby attachment theory
is important within this transition as the child going into care needs a secure attachment to someone
as the attachment to their parents will be disrupted and the child needs someone for support
especially a child of this age. The child can make an attachment to their foster carer however this
also may be difficult if the child is in temporary foster care and are removed from care, this may
cause the child distress as all the attachments they have made are being disrupted. There are many
criticism of Bowlby's theory, one of these are that Bowlby believed that 'Bowlby suggested that a
child would initially form only

Introduction
John Bowlby's Attachment theory is relevant to serial murderers since it looks at the child's early life
experiences, focusing on the bond between the mother and child (Bretherton, 1992). It argues that a
break in the bond will lead the child to a life of crime and delinquency. In this paper we will discuss
two points. The first point is discussing Aileen's Wuornos life from childhood to adulthood and the
second point is explaining how her life is relevant to Bowlby's Attachment Theory. We will finally
know what happened in Aileen Wuornos' life that caused her to become one of the most famous
female serial killers of all time.
Theory
The theory of attachment was originally developed by child psychiatrist John Bowlby around 1948
(Bretherton, 1992). Attachment theory is when a child attaches/bonds themselves to a parental
figure, somebody who cares for the child. Bowlby believed that the impact on a child's life is
greatest when the child and caregiver form an attachment when the child is very young in age
(infant). Bowlby stated that if the attachment between the child and caregiver was not secure, that
the child could then start to develop delinquent behavior (Schmalleger, 2014). Bowlby stated within
his attachment theory that children who were abandoned at an early age, who really had only one
parent in their life (other parent could have for instance been in prison), or children that were abused
(physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually), were going to

Attachment Theory Of Attachment
INTRODUCTION The theory of attachment is a postulation in developmental psychology that
emphasises on the significance of attachment regarding personal development. This theory claimed
that individuals have the ability to form an emotional and physical attachment to another person to
give them a sense of stability and security. This is vital for an individual's personal development in
terms of risk – taking, branching and growing as a whole. This theory started off with the context of
children and parents in the '60s and '70s. However, it later expanded to cover for adult romantic
relationships in the late 1980s. This term was first coined by Psychologist, John Bowlby and
developed by Mary Ainsworth, who based her research on pre – existing ... Show more content on
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Individuals who were victims of abuse; physical or sexual, usually exhibit a fearful – avoidant
attachment style. These individuals have mixed feelings about close relationships. They have the
need and the desire to be in an intimate relationship with another person and at the same time, have
an uncontrollable uneasiness at the idea of being emotionally close to another individual. This is
sometimes linked to their often pessimistic views on themselves and their partners. They may view
themselves as someone who is unworthy of responsiveness from their partners or they may think
that their partners have malicious intentions towards them. As a result, these individuals may
develop trust issues and makes their relationship more difficult as the burden to prove that they are
adequate lays on their significant others. Similar to fearful – avoidant attachment styles, these
individuals seek less intimacy from partners and frequently suppress and in a constant denial about
their

Attachment Theory Essay
Chris Livoti 3/5/13
IB Psychology Mrs. Urso John Bowlby is the pioneer of the attachment theory and worked with
children who had been separated from their parents during World War 2. He observed that many of
these children developed emotional problems, and he made the connection that the emotional
problems stemmed from the separation from the mother. Bowlby was born in London to an upper
class family, and would rarely see, and interact with his mother. At the young age of seven he was
sent off to boarding school, which was very common for boys of his social status. He would later go
on to say "I wouldn't send a dog away to boarding school at age seven." These circumstances would
lead ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Finally was mild deprivation which could result in minor problems for the child, but no serious
complications. Bowlby's main theory which he is most well known for is his Attachment Theory.
Bowlby believed that for a strong attachment to be formed there must be proximity maintenance
(the desire to be near the people we are attached to), a safe haven(returning to the attachment figure
for comfort and safety in the face of a fear or threat), a secure base(the attachment figure acts as a
base of security from which the child can explore the surrounding environment),and separation
distress (anxiety that occurs in the absence of the attachment figure). The main points of his
attachment theory were that a child has an innate need to attach to one main attachment
figure(monotropy). Another main point in his theory was that he believed a child should receive the
continuous care of the single most important attachment figure for the first two years of life. Bowlby
used the term maternal deprivation to refer to the failure to develop an attachment, and to refer to
the separation or loss of a mother. To support his hypothesis that the relationship between the infant
and mother in the first five years was crucial to socialization, and the disruption of this relationship
can lead to emotional difficulties, antisocial behavior, and delinquency, he studied forty–four
juvenile delinquents in a child guidance clinic. The study was called the forty four thieves study, and
the goal was

Attachment Theory Essay
Attachment is "a social and emotional bond between infant and carer that spans both time and
space." (Martin, Carlson & Buskist, 2010). How do we develop attachment? Why is attachment
important? These are the type of questions this essay with answer while also using psychological
theory and experiments.
Main Body
Attachment usually develops between a parent/caregiver and child. Human babies are dependent on
their caregiver to survive; they cannot feed themselves or even hold up their own head (Martin et al.,
2010) therefore they need to form a bond with their caregiver so that they will be looked after. This
bond allows the child to feel safe and secure and increases their chances of survival (Bowlby, 1982).
According to Bowlby infants have "innate attachment behaviors that motivate adult attention"
(Martin et al., ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
368) for example crying when they are just born, or their first social smile at 4–6 weeks. These
actions provoke love in caregivers and positive emotions in the infant. Martin et al. (2010) refer to it
as adaptive and dynamic as it allows the survival of the child and satisfies parental investment for
caregivers. Attachment theory in modern times has been referred to as a theory of emotional
regulation (Howe, 2005) as in having this secure relationship provides positive emotions but if this
attachment is lost it results in negative emotions(fear when alone, sadness when bereaved).
There are three patterns of attachment according to Mary Ainsworth (et al., 1978): secure, resistant
and avoidant. These were established in the strange–situation test created by Ainsworth. This
involved a playroom being set up where a child their caregiver and an unfamiliar adult engage in a
series of eight situations to observe caregiver and child interactions, the effects of separations from
caregivers and encounters with strangers, and their reunion afterwards. The patterns of attachment
are based on how

The Attachment Theory
The attachment theory is an evolutionary, ethological, and psychological theory that gives people
the explanatory/descriptive framework of understanding interpersonal relationship between people
in society (Wikipedia). British psychologist/psychoanalyst, John Bowlby, stated that the importance
of the theory that infants needed to develop a relationship with their main primary caregiver which
would be beneficial for emotional and social development to progress normally for a child
(McLeod). Bowlby's idea of the theory was that when infants became attached to the adults who are
more responsive/sensitive during the social interactions and form and maintained Caregiving
relationship during the 6 months to 3 years of life (McLeod). This development ... Show more
content on Helpwriting.net ...
Freud was known as an id psychologist, whereas Erikson more of the ego psychologist. Psychologist
Erikson had believed that a person's ego is develop through resolved situations that turn successful
and allows us to be social (McLeod). His theory on the development of the attachment theory is
psychological because it focused on the primary stages of development from infancy to maturity and
the ego. His theory was that there are seven psychological stages that are

The attachment theory is a theory by Bowlby that refers to the joint mutual relationship that babies
experience and develop with their primary caregiver (Bowlby, 1982). This theory is not supported
by research in various sceneries. However, even though the attachment theory began as an initiative,
the clinical application to the daily clinical understanding of adult mental health complications has
penned red behind the current available research. I believe that the theory can give valuable insight
into both the developing nature of recognized psychiatric disorders as well as in the development of
the therapeutic relationship in adults. My position provides an overview of (a) the application of
attachment theory to diverse psychopathologies ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The remaining data available so far suggest that attachment insecurity indeed serves as a risk factor.
Secondly, on the other hand (Dozier et al, 1999) due to differences in attachment conceptualization
and measurement on one side and in how psychiatric disorders are diagnosed, results across studies
can readily be compared. This may in part explain some of the contradictory findings. Nevertheless,
one broad generalisation is emerging on the basis of the distinction between seizure strategies that '
reduce ' and ' maximise ' attachment needs and behaviours (approximately corresponds with
attachment preoccupation and dismissal respectively) (Dozier et al, 1999). Externalising
psychopathology (which may involve misconduct behaviour, e.g. eating disorders) are to be
associated with hypothesised (or something) strategies, while's psychopathology (e.g. depression,
anxiety and plate line personality disorder) would transform with (or hyper active) associated
strategies. As indicated above, this generalisation has not been consistently supported. Finally, one
can expect that the higher the load for a genetic disorder, less the contribution social and/or
environmental factors (including

From my standpoint, the concept of love is puzzling and we have struggled to understand it for
many years. My own definition of love is an opening to our hearts and mind which causes an
emotion that holds the most happiness. Over the years, researchers have developed theories and
perspectives of love. According to Family and Personal Development it stated, "Attachment theory
focuses on how children develop attachment to their caregivers, usually their parents, in infancy."
(265) Although this theory is a child development theory, it has been applied to adult attachment
since the late 1980s. Also including, the development of intimate and love relationships. Attachment
starts at a young age, beginning with parents, followed by peers, close friends,

Attachment Theory
THEORY OF ATTACHMENT Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby presents a set of
organizing principles for understanding various facets of human psychological aspects. The theory
offers a wide spectrum, which encompasses comprehensive theoretical paradigm for understanding
diversities amongst relationships. Bowlby rejecting the old theories of attachment highlighted that
attachment is not merely an internal drive to satisfy some need. This paper will focus on the seminal
work and the principles on which the attachment theory is based. A spin–off theory derived from the
original concept is also presented at the end. Social work is illustrated is engaging in psychosocial
evaluation and intervention through various means like ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
At first it would entail recognition of the problem through the acceptance of the findings of
psychological science and then providing necessary training of child–care to all members of the
society. The attachment theory has helped in initiation of large number of models for social
development from childhood till adulthood. Pietromonaco & Feldman Barrett (2000) elaborate on
the underlying components and organization of these working models and offer new perspectives
that contribute in organizing and sustaining relationship knowledge. They also focus specifically on
evaluating the concept of internal working models of attachment. The topics with longitudinal
attachment–based studies of families with depression, of families with maltreatment, and of clinical
interventions in families with low social support and with behavior–problem children were the hard
back to Bowlby's seminal ideas since 1930s. Value and authoritativeness of attachment theory is
evident from the Bowlby's focus on parent–child relationship which captivated the attention of
developmental psychologists, and his assertion that attachment processes operate across the life span
paved the way for social and personality psychologists to study attachment in adult relationships.
Furthermore, the assumption that attachment mechanisms are intrinsic has led to exploration of their
neurobiological basis (Pietromonaco & Barrett, 2000). Bowlby (1988) describing

Attachment Theory
Attachment theory examines the mannerisms of the infant and caregiver, how they relate to each
other, and how they reinforce each others' behaviors. Touching, tickling, holding, picking up,
vocalizing, looking, and both proto–imperative and proto–declarative pointing are all part of those
behaviors. A safe haven is generally the physical location about the caregiver where the infant feels
safe while a safe harbor is the area around the caregiver where the infant feels comfortable to
explore their world. Through the Strange Situation test, Ainsworth and Mains determined four
categories or styles of attachment, which have been both praised and criticized through the years but
remain generally consistent, even when performed in multiple cultures: ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Non–genetic factors account for about 25% of congenital hearing loss (American Speech–
Language–Hearing Association) and causes include maternal infection or disease (rubella, herpes
simplex, diabetes, etc.), low birth weight, injuries during the birthing process, or toxins including
alcohol and drugs consumed by the mother during pregnancy. Genetic factors "are thought to cause
more than 50% of all hearing loss." If both parents carry the recessive gene and pass it along to the
child, parents are often surprised to discover their child has a hearing loss because they are not
aware that they are carrying a defective gene. This type of inheritance pattern accounts for about
70% of all genetic hearing loss. If one parent passes an abnormal gene, the parent who is carrying
the dominant gene may also have hearing loss as well as other signs and symptoms that make up a
genetic syndrome. This type of inheritance pattern accounts for 15% of all genetic hearing loss
cases. Hearing loss may not be total, and it may not be bi–lateral. For the purposes of this paper, we
are only looking at cases of complete, bi–lateral hearing loss, commonly called "deafness," though
those with hearing loss may self–identify as "deaf" even if they do not have 100% hearing loss. In
addition, "identification with the Deaf community is a personal choice and is usually made
independent of the individual's hearing

Attachment theory was created by John Bowlby in the late 1930's (McLeod, 2009). He came up
with this theory when he was working with children in London at a psychiatric clinic (McLeod,
2009). The children he was working with were emotionally disturbed and needed much help
(McLeod, 2009). It was this experience that led Bowlby to consider the importance of the
relationship between the child and the parent (emotionally and cognitively) (McLeod, 2009). More
specifically, he was able to theorize that there might be a link between early infant separations with
the mother and later maladjustment, which would lead Bowlby to create his attachment theory
(McLeod, 2009). Bowlby worked with Robertson to observe children that may be distressed when
separated from their mothers (McLeod, 2009). It was at this point that that they noticed that the
children did not break their anxiety, even when fed by other caregivers (McLeod, 2009). Bowlby
and Robertson noted their findings, and that they conflicted with the behavioral theory of attachment
which showed there was an underestimated child's bond with the mother (McLeod, 2009).
Behavioral theory states that attachment will happen with the mother due to mother feeding the
infant (McLeod, 2009). However, Bowlby theory went into more detail about attachment than just
between mother feeding infant. He stated that attachment is a "lasting psychological connectedness
between human beings" (McLeod, 2009). Bowlby then presented the

Bowlby And Attachment Theory And The Theory Of The...
It was this Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis (1953; 1969) that sought to bring Bowlby and
attachment theory its strongest criticism (Rutter 1981; Clarke & Clarke 1998) The theory that if a
child is deprived of its mother, or mother–substitute at a key point (approx. 6 months to 3 years) for
work purposes, or even for the purpose of hospitalisation, the child's social and cognitive
development would suffer as a result. The critiques have gone from levelling criticism, to the
Hypothesis itself being largely discredited (Smith et al 2011) Importantly, regardless of whether or
not the theory was believed, it is known to have had a profound effect on a generation of mothers.
There has been much controversy regarding childminding and crèche based child care and
attachment theory. Early research in the 1950s and 1960s (including the writings of Bowlby)
suggested caution when considering alternative child day care ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
However, the major function of attachment theory is to guide further research (Attachments and
other affectional bonds across the life cycle, Mary D. Salter Ainsworth, 1991, p. 48)
Engaging in parenthood is playing for high stakes. Furthermore, because successful parenting is a
principal key to the mental health of the next generation, we need to know all we can both about its
nature and about the manifold social and psychological conditions that influence its development for
better or worse.
Lecture 1 – Caring for children – Clinical applications of Attachment Theory; A Secure Base, John
Bowlby, 1988, p1.
Studies continually show that well adjusted, self reliant, contented adolescents and young adults are
the result of a stable environment where both parents offer significant time and attention to the

The theory from chapter 1 that I chose was attachment theory. Attachment theory, coined by John
Bowlby, is a concept in developmental psychology that concerns the importance of "attachment" in
regards to personal development. It states that the ability for an individual to form an emotional and
physical "attachment" to another person gives a sense of stability and the means necessary to take
risks, branch out, and grow and develop as a personality. One of Bowlby's main points in attachment
theory is "separation anxiety is experienced when attachment behaviour is activated and cannot be
terminated unless reunion is restored" (Bowlby 1969). "They also, have trouble maintaining a
boundary between someone else's distress and their own" (Weinfield, Sroufe, 1999) and they do
everything possible to prevent separation. Bowlby has four assumptions: "infants and young
children develop emotional ties with individuals early in life, the way a child is treated early in life
has a major contributing factor to their future relationships and the way their personality is formed,
attachment behaviour can form an 'internal working model ' which guide the child 's thoughts,
feelings and expectations as a result of the reactions of others towards their behaviour, it is difficult
to alter attachment behavior but it is not impossible" (Green 2003). There are also five different
attachments styles, secure, avoidant, ambivalent, disorganized, and reactive.Secure attachment style
individuals are

The Origins Of Attachment Theory
The origins of Attachment theory can be traced to the influential work of John Bowlby (1958).
Bowlby's work as a psychiatrist in a Child Guidance Clinic in London caused him to consider the
significance of the child's relationship with their mother in terms of their cognitive, emotional and
social development. Specifically, it contributed to enthralling his interests surrounding the link
between early infant separations with the mother and later maladjustment, leading Bowlby to
formulate the Theory of Attachment. Bowlby argues that this attachment between the mother and
child is different in a qualitative form from any other form attachment. This theory, although
seminal, holds many criticisms from others, stating that children learn more from their peers rather
than from their parents (Harris, 1998). A separate criticism is that of Field's (1996), who evaluates
the many limitations of the Attachment Theory. A primary critic of Bowlby 's attachment theory is J.
R. Harris. The general public assume that good–natured, sincere, and humble parents will raise
children bearing similar traits whilst parents that are ill–tempered, indecent, and cruel will similarly
raise children of an identical nature (Ainsworth, 1969). According to Harris, this may not be the
whole truth. Harris (1998) believes that a child 's peers to have greater influence over their
personality and character rather than their parents. An example of this would be children whose
parents suffer from

The Attachment Theory and Factors Damaging to Attachment
Attachment Theory
Relationships are the building block for personality and are significant in children's ability to grow
into substantial individuals who can thrive in an often harsh world. Constructing lasting and
fulfilling relationships is an integral part to development as the interpersonal bonds forged are not
only highly sought after but also set the ground work for all upcoming expressive interactions.
Relationships and attachment go hand in hand as attachment is the strong and lasting linkage
established between a child and his or her caregiver. Moreover, attachment significantly influences a
large capacity of ones make up as it these first relationships that teaches morals, builds self–esteem,
and develops a support system. The ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
These included Secure attachment, Avoidant, and resistant patterns . Also furthering the work of her
predecessors, Mary Main a student of both Ainsworth and Bowlby provided additional categories of
attachment which included the disorganized disoriented pattern. Many children growing up in
homes plagued by substance use of any nature struggle the most when into adulthood and as a result
of poor attachments often develop negative relational patterns. Children in these households often
develop what is known as an avoidant attachment style in which they have not maintained trust with
caregivers early on thus lending to behaviors of mistrust later in life as they weren't provided
stability early on.
Culture and Attachment Attachment theory is a great model for understanding the maladaptive
patterns of behavior many adults may present later in life. As relationship and relational patterns are
developed early in life the way in which people view themselves and the world are greatly
influenced by their experiences with attachment figures. Though attachment theory wishes to look at
the universal inner workings of child development and attachment organization it does not fully
discuss the cultural contexts. Attachment theory instead looks to universally categorize the survival
needs of all infants but does not take into consideration cultural, racial, and socio–economic
elements that may affect the differential attachment

Attachment Theory
Attachment Theory John Bowlby was a psychoanalyst and has developed his knowledge and
understanding into the theory of Attachment. Bowlby believed that children have been born
programmed to form attachments which will help them survive; this is known as evolutionary
attachments. Bowlby believed that all attachments are instinctive, he said that attachments are
shown when the child is under conditions of feeling threatened, such as: separation, fear and
insecurity. In 1969 and 1988 Bowlby suggested that fear of strangers was an important survival
mechanism; he said that babies display natural behaviours, such as: crying, laughing, smiling and
crawling, this ensures the baby to feel in close contact with the mother. Attachment is an ... Show
more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Children with attachment disorders will have a lack of self–esteem and trust, and will fears forming
a bond with people. Attachment disorder will most likely to result in emotional and behavioural
problems, such as: a child displaying aggressive behaviour to attract negative attention. It is also
said that child suffering Mary Ainsworth, a psychologist, was most famous for her research and
explanations of the differences between attachments. Mary Ainsworth made an assessment called
'Strange Situations Classification;' this was used to investigate how attachments vary. This
assessment was used to observe the variety of attachment forms displayed between mothers and
their child. The assessment is set up in a small room with one way glass so the behaviour of the
infant can be observed. Infants were aged between 12 and 18 months. The sample comprised about
100 middle class American families. The assessment was observed for seven, three minute episodes,
which are: 1) Parent and infant alone. 2) Stranger joins parent and infant. 3) Parent leaves infant and
stranger alone. 4) Parent returns and stranger leaves. 5) Parent leaves; infant left completely alone.
6) Stranger returns. 7) Parent returns and stranger leaves. During these episodes the child was
observed for: separation anxiety, the infants' willingness to explore, stranger anxiety and

Humans are social beings by nature; from the day one is born, an immense amount of time must be
dedicated to the individual in order for them to develop properly and to their maximum potential.
Without this interaction with others, the child will become stagnant in their progress and fail to grow
both mentally and physically. Because of its importance, infants and children have been hardwired
to attach to their mothers and/or caregivers in order to fulfill this basic need. This instinctual need
for attention and security was originally studied by John Bowlby in his creation of the "Attachment
Theory". Expanding from infancy to the entirety of a human life, one may see the Attachment
Theory and importance of interaction in early ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
From these measurements, Schaffer and Emerson were able to develop the Stages of Attachment.
Throughout their developing stages, infants were expected to experience each of these phases:
1. Asocial (0–6 weeks) – The infant will form attachments with nearly any human or human figure
without any real bias.
2. Indiscriminate Attachment (6 weeks–7 mo.) – The infant enjoys human interaction and attention
from a caregiver and get upset when not payed attention to. Can tell people apart but no bias.
3. Specific Attachment (7 mo.–9 mo.) – The infant looks to a particular person(s) to care for them,
experiences separation anxiety and stranger fear much more intensely than before.
4. Multiple Attachment (10 mo. +) – The infant is able to form more attachments as it becomes more
independent. Attachments may be with family members, caregivers, or anyone else who responds
well to them.
(SOURCE)
With these stages constructed and the structure of attachment theory in place, psychologist Mary
Ainsworth delved further into this theory and began her study titled "The Strange Situation". In this
study, Ainsworth's aim was to measure the quality of attachments in one to two year olds with their
parent or caregiver (SOURCE).

Social Attachment Theory
Abstract Despite its roots in evolutionary theory, attachment theory has long split itself into two
factions: adaptive and maladaptive. For years, insecure attachment has been implicated as one of the
root causes for a number of psychological concerns. (Dozier, Stovall–McClough, & Albus, 2008)
Tsachi Ein–Dor, however, theorized something different. His social defense theory posits an entirely
new interpretation of attachment – that all attachment orientations have adaptive qualities for the
environment in which they exist and that society at large benefits when groups are made up of a
variety of attachment orientations. This paper seeks to better understand the schemas proposed by
social defense theory (sentinel, rapid fight–flight, and collaborative) ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
Simpson and Belsky (2008) suggested that, in fact, Charles Darwin was the first attachment theorist.
His concept of evolutionary theory – the idea that human social behaviors are a reflection of
selection pressures – is viewed as "one of the greatest intellectual accomplishments in the history of
science." (p. 133) This theory offered up the proposition that behaviors persist solely because they
are advantageous to a species' survival. If you understand humans to be primarily social creatures,
then under this theory you would have assume that social connection was a behavior honed over
time by evolution because it was advantageous to survival. Bringing this idea into the world of
psychoanalysis, the object relations school of thought utilizes evolutionary theory to understand
humans as biologically wired for connection. This connection (or attachment, as Bowlby termed it)
shapes our personality structure and style. (6.5) To Bowlby, attachment is part of a pre–programmed
behavioral set aimed at keeping an infant in close proximity to his/her main caregiver (typically a
mother figure). (3.4) In his first volume on attachment (year), Bowlby proposed that attachment is
consistent over time and that an infant will grow to relate to others in the same way he/she related to
his/her original attachment figure. This concept is often referred to in the attachment literature as the
child's "working model." (3.2) While it is believed that this attachment relationship

Questions On Attachment Theory And Attachment Parenting
Introduction
People can and do get the [attachment] theory confused with attachment parenting. The result of this
may be that some parents, thinking that attachment parenting is too consuming and also because
western society has a need for independence and separation, may then look for alternative methods
that do not involve any form of attachment "methods". The purpose of researching these theories is
to gather information about attachment theory for those involved to make informed decisions that do
not involve a speciﬁc parenting philosophy that may not suit their family's needs.
Attachment is the method through which people acquire specific positive and close emotional bonds
with others. In mature relationships, people may be equal ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
Freud believed that infants develop maternal relationships because mothers feed them and satisfy
their hunger. However, animal studies have provided evidence that feeding does not necessarily
explain the attachment. In fact, experiments have found that infant rhesus monkeys raised in an
isolated environment preferred the contact with a comfortable cloth–covered surrogate mother, even
while feeding from the nourishing wire surrogate mother, demonstrating that the basis for
attachment relationships does not reside solely in feeding. These experiments also found that the
ones raised by simulated mothers were scared when placed alone in foreign situations.
Another expert, Erik Erikson, proposed an eight–stage psychosocial development process. In his
theory, each stage involves a task that must be completed if infants are to successfully move to the
next stage. The initial stage of "Trust versus mistrust" in psychosocial development arises in the first
year of life. During this stage infants need to develop a sense of trust in themselves and in the world
around them. The infant depends on the parents, with an emphasis on the mother, for nourishment.
Their relative interpretation of world and society stems from the parent–child interaction. If the
parents expose the child to consistency, and steady affection, the child 's perception will be that of
trust. However, if parents fail to provide a safe environment that meets

Attachment Theory Paper
Attachment Style and Romantic Relationships Research Paper Attachment theory has been of
interest to many fields of study, from psychology to ethology, even biology and evolution. The
developmental implications of the theory can be applied to different personalities, why we actively
seek partners or long term relationships, or simply to explain why an infant may cry when its mother
leaves the room. Although the initial implications were intended to explain the response of children
when separated from their caregivers, research has proven its application to adult relationships,
showing patterns of behavior based on attachment theory terminology. This paper explores the
different aspects in which attachment theory is applied in adult relationships, such as finding a
partner, predictability, and evolutionary purpose of caring for offspring. This paper also analyzes the
spiritual application of attachment theory, and what it means to have a secure attachment with God.
Research ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The name suggests the purpose of this theory, Bowlby wanted to explain the bonds infants develop
with a primary caregiver as well as the previously mentioned negative reactions or distress in their
separation with them (Hazan & Shaver, 1987). Bowlby observed that in separation, an infant will go
through a series of predictable emotional reactions, such as protest, despair, and detachment (Hazan
& Shaver, 1987). In protest, the child may actively search for their mother, cry, and resist any
attempts of comfort from others. In despair, the infant shows passivity and sadness. Finally, in
detachment, the child may seem defensive and can be avoidance of the mother when and if she

Attachment Theory
Attachment Theory
The Attachment theory is focused on the relationships and bonds between people, particularly long–
term relationships including those between a parent and child and between romantic partners.
Attachment is an emotional bond to another person. Psychologist John Bowlby (1969, 1988) was the
first attachment theorist, describing attachment as a "lasting psychological connectedness between
human beings." Bowlby believed that the earliest bonds formed by children with their caregivers
have a tremendous impact that continues throughout life. He suggested attachment also serves to
keep the infant close to the mother, thus improving the child 's chances of survival. The central
theme of attachment theory is that primary ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The infant produces innate 'social releaser' behaviours such as crying and smiling that stimulate care
giving from adults. The determinant of attachment is not food but care and responsiveness. Bowlby
suggested that a child would initially form only one attachment and that the attachment figure acted
as a secure base for exploring the world. The attachment relationship acts as a prototype for all
future social relationships so disrupting it can have severe consequences. Although Bowlby did not
rule out the possibility of other attachment figures for a child, he did believe that there should be a
primary bond which was much more important than any other (usually the mother). Bowlby
believes that this attachment is different in kind (qualitatively different) from any subsequent
attachments. Bowlby argues that the relationship with the mother is somehow different altogether
from other relationships. Essentially, Bowlby suggested that the nature of monotropy (attachment
conceptualized as being a vital and close bond with just one attachment figure) meant that a failure
to initiate, or a breakdown of, the maternal attachment would lead to serious negative consequences,
possibly including affectionless psychopathy. He believes that the long term consequences of
maternal deprivation might include the following: delinquency, reduced intelligence, increased
aggression, depression

The Attachment Theory Essay
The attachment theory talks about the early significance and developments of attachment between
infants and their mothers. Attachment can be defined as intense, emotional ties to specific people.
The attachment process can be divided into pre–attachment, discriminate and indiscriminate and
multiple attachment phases.
The development of specific attachment is shown through separation anxiety.
The most influential versions of this approach was probably that of Sigmund Freud, who believed
that the infants upset at the mothers absence is based on the crass fear that bodily needs would now
go unsatisfied.
The British psychiatrist john bowlby called this the ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The strange situation is used to classify the baby's basic attachment to the mother into three main
types: anxious–avoidant, securely attached and anxious resistant.
The crucial feature determining the quality of attachment is the mother's sensitivity.
Bolwby suggest that such a built in fear of the unfamiliar has a simple survival value. Infants who
lack it are more likely to stray away from their mothers and will be more likely to go and perish.
Bolwby suggest that the first five years of life are crucial to the Child's later development. He
highlighted four majors systems in infant behavior, whereby he stated that children use all four of
these systems in their interaction with their environment and the people around them.
He stated what is known as the continuity hypothesis, which is the idea that a damaged infancy leads
to the idea of a damaged childhood which in turn leads to a damaged adulthood.
Infants who do not have any sort of attachments whatsoever could have some everlasting effects on
their adulthood. Researcher's tizard and Hodges 1978 concluded from their research that children
may be deprived of their opportunity to form personal attachments if they are raised in an
institution.

Also, there is evidence that disruption in the family home during childhood could affect how the
parents interact with their

The Theories And Principles Of Attachment Theory
Exploration of Attachment Theory
Fully describe the theory including the main concepts and principles
Attachment theory is a concept that explores the importance of attachment in respect to direct
development. "It is a deep and enduring emotional bond that connects one person to another across
time and space" (Bowlby, 1969; McLeod, 2009). It is the relationship that develops within the first
year of the infant's life between them and their caregiver. The theory also relates to the quality of the
attachment that is shown in the behavior of the infant (Rieser–Danner, 2016). Attachment theory
shows that infants need a close nurturing relationship with their caregiver in order to have a healthy
relationship. Lack of response from the caregiver ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This behavior can be explained by the caregiver's unpredictable and unstable behavior. Because of
the distress of the caregiver's possible abandonment, the infant will go to extreme measures to
preserve that attachment and will be more alert to signs of abandonment or dismissal.
Lastly, avoidant attached infants are untroubled when the caregiver leaves and returns. The infant
wants to keep closeness to the caregiver but this attachment style lets the infant maintain closeness
to the caregiver even in the face of rejection. In order to control their feelings of distress and to
prevent more rejection, the infant may just give up on seeking closeness to the caregiver (Walsh,
2015).
Assess the theory's contribution to understanding human behavior Researchers have been looking at
theories to show how important relationships are in people's lives and attachment theory has allowed
them to understand human behavior in a variety of ways. Feelings, such as anger and romantic love,
can be directly correlated to the attachments received as a child. Anger, according to Bowlby (1951),
can be a direct response to a separation experienced during infancy. In a study produced by Heinicke
& Westheimer (1966), ten young children were observed during and after a two–week stay at a
residential nursery. The comparisons made between those children and children who had remained
in their homes showed

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