...Bowlby's Attachment Theory John Bowlby (1907 - 1990) was a psychoanalyst (like Freud) and believed that mental health and behavioral problems could be attributed to early childhood. Bowlby’s evolutionary theory of attachment suggests that children come into the world biologically pre-programmed to form attachments with others, because this will help them to survive. Bowlby was very much influenced by ethological theory in general, but especially by Lorenz’s (1935) study of imprinting. Lorenz showed that attachment was innate (in young ducklings) and therefore has a survival value. Bowlby believed that attachment behaviors are instinctive and will be activated by any conditions that seem to threaten the achievement of proximity, such as separation, insecurity and fear. Bowlby (1969, 1988) also postulated that the fear of strangers represents an important survival mechanism, built in by nature. Babies are born with the tendency to display certain innate behaviors (called social releasers) which help ensure proximity and contact with the mother or mother figure (e.g. crying, smiling, crawling, etc.) – these are species-specific behaviors. During the evolution of the human species, it would have been the babies who stayed close to their mothers who would have survived to have children of their own and Bowlby hypothesized that both infants and mothers have evolved a biological need to stay in contact with each other. These attachment behaviors initially function...
Words: 911 - Pages: 4
...How does attachment influence the social and emotional development of the child? In your answer refer to the usefulness and the critiques of the attachment theory. A child’s social and emotional development has significant implications for the social functioning of a child throughout their lives, in their education, friendships and employment. A child with poor or social and emotional development are at risk of experiencing poor relationships with peers, academic problems and can lead them into involvement in unsociable activities or crime. Research suggests the key to social and emotional development lies in the child’s early relationship with parents and caregivers. It is believed that children develop and thrive better when they are brought up in an environment where the caregiver satisfies a child’s needs physically and emotionally. Throughout the Late 1930s and 1940s a psychologist John Bowlby investigated the nature and the purpose of the close relationships that a person forms with people throughout their lives, in particular, childhood. He researched the making and breaking of bonds to understand the psychological behaviour and social and emotional development of human being (Howe, 1995, P46). As a result of these investigations and studies Bowlby developed a theory called the ‘Attachment Theory’. The basis of this theory is that “the infant and young child should experience warm, intimate and continuous relationships between the child and the mother” (Steele...
Words: 2891 - Pages: 12
...huge impact on their interaction with others during adulthood. Attachment is an emotional bond that is from one person to another, the attachment theory is a psychological theory that focuses on relationships between the caregiving and child. An infant will have to develop a relationship with a caregiver in order for them to develop socially and emotionally. Infants need to possess the social, emotional, and intellectual skills to achieve and flourish in this society. From the time that an infant is born, the people around him or her influence the child’s way of thinking towards any given relationship and this could lead to a healthy adult relationship; that is infant attachment. The attachment theory was presented by John Bowlby; he defined attachment as “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings”. Bowlby began studying the distress levels of an infant when they are separated from their mothers, and these findings opposed the behavior theory of attachment. The behavior theory of attachment indicated that a child becomes attached to the mother because she fed the infant, but when Bowlby observed the infants being fed by strangers they did not indicated any distress or anxiety (Mcleod, 2009). That’s when he came to the conclusion that attachment could be influenced by environmental circumstances, and the earliest bonds formed between caregiver and infant improves the child’s chance of survival. Attachment is ongoing and adaptive; it is a pattern of interactions between...
Words: 1311 - Pages: 6
...Attachment Theory Attachment theory is a concept in developmental psychology and was defined by Schaffer (1993) as ‘A close emotional relationship between two persons characterised by mutual affection and a desire to maintain proximity’. Also, Maccoby (1980) describes the four characters of attachment: 1. Seeking proximity - the desire to be close to the person to whom you are attached. 2. Separation anxiety - the distress that results from being separated from that person. 3. Pleasure when reunited - relief and observable joy when reunited with them. 4. General orientation of behaviour towards the caregiver - the child’s awareness of where the person is, and the reassurance they feel by them being close. Harlow’s monkeys (1959): The origins of love. Harry Harlow used rhesus monkeys in his research into learning and noticed that many of the young monkeys kept in isolation became distressed when he cleaned out their cages. It seemed that the monkeys were forming an attachment with the sanitary towels he used to line the base of the cages. Harlow carried out a number of variations using sixteen young isolated monkeys. Some were kept in cages with both a wire surrogate mother and a softer one covered in Terry cloth whilst others were kept in cages with just one. Sometimes the monkeys would be fed by the wire mother and other times by the softer cuddlier mother. However, the important variation was the one with a monkey in a cage with a wire mother...
Words: 665 - Pages: 3
...Agnostics, who feel as if it is impossible for them to know if there really is any divine being out there. And finally, on the complete opposite side of the spectrum we have the Atheists, who believe that there is no God, no divine spirit out there and it is all just a show. When looking at the attachment figure that the Attachment Theory shows us, it seems as if God would be the perfect, textbook example of an attachment figure. For most religions, God is seen as a guardian, who knows the best for you, is always listening, and never leaves you in a time of need. Therefore, it makes sense to draw a parallel between someones relationship with their real life attachment figure, who would most likely be the Mother or Father, and the relationship that person develops with God. The Attachment Theory offers three different types of people, the secure person, the anxious person, and the avoidant person, and I am very interested in seeing how and why these people behave when it comes to religion. Just like with everyone else we know, we do have a relationship with God. No matter how good or bad it might be, it is a relationship none the less. The first relationship we form is with our attachment figure, usually our Mother or Father. The way in which this relationship forms will become extremely important and key in the way we form...
Words: 2019 - Pages: 9
...Abigail Graves Attachment Theory Paper The attachment theory is used to explain the relationships between humans. This was primarily developed by a psychoanalysis John Bowlby who raised the issue about maternal deprivation that developed into the attachment theory. It mainly focused on the idea that infants need to create a bound with their caregiver in order to develop emotionally and socially appropriately. It was not until recently that the theory was extended to attachment in adults. Through new research it was found that these early relationship can have a profound affect peer relationships at all ages, romantic and sexual attraction, and responses to the care needs of others as well. This is explained through case studies and applying the finding to the theories developed by Bowlby and Mary Main, defining the types of adult attachment and analyzing those to a personal style of attachment. With understanding the theories of attachment two psychologist decided to expand on the ideas that had been developed by others in their field. Kim Bartholomew and Leonard Horowitz’s expanded on the idea that was presented by Bowlby about how children internalize their attachment relationships with their parents, and internalize that for future relationships. They “…have only recently examined the relationship between working models of attachment and social and emotional adaptation in adults” (Bartholomew and Horowitz, 227, 1991). Meaning there is studies now that examine the way...
Words: 1916 - Pages: 8
...Bowlby’s Ethological Attachment Theory Rhonda Lawson Excelsior College Lifespan Developmental Psychology June 10, 2014 Bowlby’s Ethological Attachment Theory I) Abstract a) A natural inclination b) Strength and stability c) Theory of lifespan development II) Introduction a) Evolution and biology b) Critical periods c) Behavioral study on graylag geese d) Creation of attachment III) Bowlby’s perspectives a) Biological preparation b) Ethological theory c) Adaptive value d) Physical, social as well as cultural e) Lasting relationships IV) Application of Bowlby’s ethological attachment a) Survival b) Increases in cortisol levels and heart rates c) Psychotherapy d) Anxiety and avoidance with depression e) Development of a new attachment with a therapist f) Outcomes of a therapy process g) Diagnosis of the reactive attachment disorder V) Conclusion a) Begins at birth b) Develop attachments to primary caregivers c) Widespread acceptance d) Diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder VI) References Abstract Bowlby’s ethological attachment theory bases its argument on the premise that human individuals, just like animals have a tendency to have a natural inclination to establish and maintain lasting affectionate bonds (attachments) to the familiar and irreplaceable others. Bowlby further asserts that once the attachments are established, the strength, and stability of the...
Words: 2577 - Pages: 11
...Bowlby’s Ethological Theory of Attachment The father of attachment theory John Bowlby states that “Attachment is an integral part of human nature from the cradle to the grave” (Lifespanlearn, 2009). In John Bowlby’s ethological theory of attachment, attachment is seen as a strong connection to the caregiver as a way to promote survival of self, the species as a whole and competence. Berk 2010 details a four stage process from birth to 2 years in which infants develop this strong bond (Berk, 2010). The first phase titled the preattacment phase is from the age range of birth to 6 weeks. In this initial phase, Bowlby points out that several things take place to bring babies into close contact with their caregiver. These activities include grasping smiling crying and gazing into the adult’s eyes. The continuation of these activities over time develop a true affectionate bond with their caregiver and from birth to 6 weeks babies can identify the voice and smell of their mother however they do not yet have a since of attachment to her. This lack of attachment is identified by the fact that they will be held by other adults freely (Berk, 2010). The next phase of attachment is the attachment in the making phase and is the phase of attachment development from age 6 weeks to 6-8 months. During this stage, infants develop a since of trust. They recognize that their own actions have a direct correlation to behavior of those around them. They maybe comforted easily by their caregiver...
Words: 680 - Pages: 3
...CYPOP1: 3.1. The system of a key worker in the setting is based on the principles of the attachment theory. The key person responds sensitively to the child’s demands and regularly engages in playful interactions. The child will become fond of their key person, and will prefer to be with them other than other practitioners, and will often refuse to go with any other practitioners. The key person has a big impact on all areas of a child’s wellbeing, learning and development. For babies and young people to feel happy, settled and secure, they need to make an emotional attachment with other adults to care for them when their parents aren’t there, such as practitioners. When adults spend extended periods of time with children, by interacting with...
Words: 1284 - Pages: 6
...Ainsworth was to test and study the attachment of a child with their parent. This is imperative to any reader because even if you're not planning on having children, everyone will eventually interact with one. This being said, the study not only observed the attachment of a child on their mother, but also the changes in their behavior around a stranger. As a parent, it would be beneficial to read and learn about the way a child might think and react around different people in different scenarios. As a student, it's beneficial to read about Ainsworth's studies to be able to psychologically understand how a child might react around different people. The research method used in Mary Ainsworth's...
Words: 692 - Pages: 3
...The learning theory, firstly proposed by Dolland Miller (1950) argues that attachment is a form of nurture and so is learnt. Behaviourists came up with the idea that it is learnt either through classical or operant conditioning. The learning theory was introduced by behaviourists who base most of their explanation on the effects of nurturing. They proposed that all behaviour is learned rather than inborn and In terms of attachment, through either classical or operant conditioning. Psychologists have based their explanation of attachment on Pavlov’s experiments into classical conditioning. They argue that for infants the sensation of hunger and the need for food is an unconditioned stimulus and producing a sense of pleasure happens when the baby receives food. The baby then has an unconditioned response to receiving food. The person who produces the food becomes associated with the pleasure the baby feels. If that is repeated enough the baby then reacts in a similar way to the mother as it does to food, even in the absence of food. The baby then learns to become attached to the mother. Operant conditioning states that, any behaviour that produces a positive reinforcement such as food will be repeated. Behaviours that switch off something unpleasant are also likely to be repeated (negative reinforcement). This can be applied to attachment in the sense that a new-born baby will cry in response to feelings of discomfort, which come from being hungry or cold. The sound of a baby...
Words: 803 - Pages: 4
...To outline and evaluate Bowlby’s theory of attachment (1969) (12-mks) Bowlby (1969), developed a theory that babies have an innate drive to become attached. Bowlby suggested that as part of a biological process, when babies are born they drive themselves to develop at least one strong bond to a maternal partner such as the mother. This is supported by Lorenz (1952) who carried out research on imprinting in baby geese. Lorenz studied goslings after they had hatched and discovered that they had an innate drive to develop an attachment in the first 3hrs. Lorenz used objects of visual stimuli and sound and even introduced an animal and found that the goslings would attach themselves to anything that moved such as a remote control toy or a rabbit. Lorenz also found that the goslings showed signs of distress when the object was removed from them, showed fear of other moving objects once the attachment had developed to one and showed joy on reunion. This supports Bowlby’s theory because Lorenz demonstrated that babies have an inner desire and urge to develop a monotropic bond with a woman and Bowlby even suggested that this occurs within a biologically determined period when a baby forms an attachment usually within 3-6 months of birth. Bowlby identified that if a baby does not form an attachment during this time then it will struggle to form attachment bonds in later life and according to his theory the bond was formed to a primary caregiver which was the mother/woman. This...
Words: 575 - Pages: 3
...reference to Attachment Theory discuss the importance of early childhood to emotional development. With reference to Attachment Theory this topic will discuss the importance of early childhood to emotional development. This work will be more focused in the development of the emotion of fear, anxiety and security or insecurity. For that reason, Bowlby’s theory is going to be considered due to the fact what he is the first attachment theorist, describing attachment as a ‘lasting psychological connectedness between human beings’ (Bowlby, 1964,p. 194). Bowlby believed that the earliest bonds formed by children with their caregivers have a great impact than will go on later on. Moreover, Bowlby will deal in “Basic Postulates in Theories of Anxiety and Fear” where we can find also Freud’s point of view and other theorists where they try to explain the concepts of “anxiety” and “fear”. Later, we find Schaffer and Emerson whom did a studio with sixty babies to see the measure of anxiety they could experiment. No less important is when a child start to go to school. There is going to be a separation of the child from their family so as a result fears and anxiety can also be found in early ages. The main point of attachment theory is that mothers who take care and are responsible with their infants’ needs creates at the same time a base of security for the child. All these points will be discussed through the topic. Psychologist John Bowlby was the first attachment theorist who...
Words: 1876 - Pages: 8
...Describe and Evaluate Bowlby’s theory of attachment. Bowlby presented the evolutionary theory of attachment, which suggested that children come into the world biologically programmed to form attachments with others (it’s innate) because it will help them survive. It suggested that there was a sensitive period for developing attachments (o-4 years) and to form these attachments the infant produces innate ‘social releaser’ behaviours such as crying which causes caregiving to happen and so the attachments are formed though care and responsiveness (not food as the learning theory suggests). These attachments allow the baby to form a secure base so it can explore the world and develop independence and they are often formed with the infant’s primary caregiver (monotropy) and is of special significance in emotional development. This primary caregiver (often the infant’s mother) can then help the infant to build more attachments with others. These early emotional attachments are consistent with the attachments they are able to form when they are an adult (continuity hypothesis). It acts as a prototype for all future social relationships so disrupting it can have severe consequences as the child will suffer from irreversible developmental consequences. For example if the infant never had an attachment then they are less likely to be able to form one with their own baby in the future. Monotropy has two very similar studies done which both provide evidence for it. It was first...
Words: 572 - Pages: 3
...Describe and Evaluate Bowlby’s theory of attachment. Bowlby presented the evolutionary theory of attachment, which suggested that children come into the world biologically programmed to form attachments with others (it’s innate) because it will help them survive. It suggested that there was a sensitive period for developing attachments (o-4 years) and to form these attachments the infant produces innate ‘social releaser’ behaviours such as crying which causes caregiving to happen and so the attachments are formed though care and responsiveness (not food as the learning theory suggests). These attachments allow the baby to form a secure base so it can explore the world and develop independence and they are often formed with the infant’s primary caregiver (monotropy) and is of special significance in emotional development. This primary caregiver (often the infant’s mother) can then help the infant to build more attachments with others. These early emotional attachments are consistent with the attachments they are able to form when they are an adult (continuity hypothesis). It acts as a prototype for all future social relationships so disrupting it can have severe consequences as the child will suffer from irreversible developmental consequences. For example if the infant never had an attachment then they are less likely to be able to form one with their own baby in the future. Monotropy has two very similar studies done which both provide evidence for it. It was first...
Words: 572 - Pages: 3
