The Theory Of Attachment Proposed By John Bowlby And Mary...

The lectures, discussions in class, and chapter readings highlighted the importance of one of the characteristics of human nature, which is relationships and attachment. The course materials emphasized the critical role of relationship and attachment to the development of the children. The internship site also provided an opportunity for me to visualize different attachments and relationships between parent and child in action. As the chapter readings from the textbook explore different perspectives of relationship and attachment proposed by various theorists, the class discussions and lectures furthered my understanding and knowledge of parent-child relationships. In chapter 3, the theory of attachment proposed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth is explored. First, Bowlby’s theory of attachment was influenced by the ethological theorist, Darwin, Lorenz, and Tinbergen, who were previously mentioned in the chapter. Bowlby emphasized that behaviors found in animals, such as seeking close proximity from mothers to reduce the chance of becoming a prey, can also be found in toddlers. For example, Bowlby defined that actions such as following, crying out, and clinging found in children are displayed in order to keep close distance to parents is called attachment behaviors. Bowlby incorporates imprinting and instincts, which are ethological terms, to explain different phases of attachment. As the child develops through time, the attachment of child and parent deepens theirShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Love By Robert J. Sternberg1458 Words   |  6 PagesIt can be applied to early development studies of attachment theory, such as those by Joh n Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, and carried over to our studies of romance and love through the works of Robert J. Sternberg. Many of our class lessons have focused on cause and effect: childhood cause and adulthood effect. Thus it is not strange to note, Sternberg’s research, the triangular theory of love, is impacted by Bowlby and Ainsworth’s attachment theory. As we notice within each stage and style of relationshipRead MoreChildren and Young People’s Development.1105 Words   |  5 PagesJohn Bowlby’s attachment theory has had a huge influence on practice. â€Å"His work on maternal separation, attachment, and loss...has profoundly influenced practice†, Pedder, (2010:p130). Bowlby’s attachment theory talks about how important it is for a child to have a primary caregiver and how a child need’s to have a strong bond with their main carer. From Bowlby’s research and theory there has been a great influence on policies and practi ce as, has been stressed how important it is to provide childrenRead MoreAttachment Theory On The Relationships Between Parents And Children And Primary Caregivers2037 Words   |  9 PagesAttachment theory concentrates on the relationships between parents and children or parents and primary caregivers. According John Bowlby, the author of attachment theory, attachment is inborn and is as essential for survival as food, water, and air; it is an emotional, object specific relationship that develops towards a primary caregiver (Bowlby, 1969). Through series of experiments Bowlby explained the nature and the role of physical proximity of a child to a caregiver as a secure base for explorationRead MoreSecure Attachment Relationship Between Young Children And Their Families898 Words   |  4 PagesSecure Attachment Relationship The mother is usually the first and primary object of attachment for an infant, but in many cultures, babies become just as attached to their fathers, siblings, and grandparents. When infants are attached to their caregivers, they gain a secure base from which babies can explore their environment and a haven of safety to return to when they are afraid. Attachment begins with physical touching and cuddling between infant and parent. Some babies become secure or insecureRead MoreEssay on Foundations and Characteristics of Attachment Theory1105 Words   |  5 PagesAttachment Theory Attachment theory comes out of the work of John Bowlby. However, it finds its genesis in Freud’s Psychoanalysis. Bowlby himself was trained in psychoanalysis and became a qualified practitioner in the approach. In his early 20s, however, before he enrolled in medical school or in the Institute of Psychoanalysis, he worked with children with behavior problems. These two forces, these experiences, perhaps formed the foundation and later development of his Attachment Theory. SpurredRead MoreTheories And Research Studies Into Attachment1227 Words   |  5 PagesBiological, development or social approaches to psychology WIZ204 Evaluate theories and research studies into Attachment. Bowlby’s theory of attachment The theory of attachment was first proposed by a British psychoanalyst John Bowlby (1907-1990) who described it as a ‘lasting psychological connectedness between human beings’ (1988). According to psychologist Mary Anisworth attachment â€Å"may be defined as an affectional tie that one person or animal forms between himself and another specific one-aRead MoreBowlby s Theory Of Attachment1431 Words   |  6 PagesPerhaps the most influential explanation of attachment was presented by John Bowlby who began developing his ideas in the 1940s. Bowlby was commissioned by the World Health Organisation to investigate whether young children were likely to be harmed if they are separated from their mothers in the early years. (Hayes, 1996). Bowlby (1951) reported that infants possesses an innate need to attach to one main attachment figure (this was usually the mother). According to Hayes (1996), this is a specialRead MoreThe Development of Attachment Essay793 Words   |  4 PagesThe Development of Attachment Psychological research can inform us about the development of attachments to a certain extent. Mary Ainsworth actually covered a definition explaining, how we know when an attachment has developed. This is; the infant tries to get close to and maintain that proximity with the caregiver, using a number of strategies to do so. E.g. clinging and signalling behaviours such as smiling, crying and calling. The fact she has outlined this definitionRead MoreSocial And Emotional Development : John Bowlby1402 Words   |  6 Pagesbond of attachment to another person is regarded as a foundation for successful social and emotional development. â€Å"It has been observed that children with secure attachments are more socially competent than those with insecure attachment† (Neaum. S. 2010). By the child having formed secured relationships it enables them to engage with the world with a sense of confidence and self-esteem. children who have secure attachments are also known to show more co-operative behaviour. John Bowlby was bornRead MorePsychology is not just common sense1300 Words   |  6 Pagesto disprove misconceptions and theories conceived out of said common sense. The majority of laymen believe that if an infant is not securely attached to its caregiver, it must have no sense of attachment at all. Moreover, they assume blindly that there will be no in-betweens. However, psychology shows that there is much more to it when it comes to attachment styles. There are in fact, three main types of attachment styles that make up the crux of the Attachment Theory, which will be explored in further