ac.care

3. Bonding and Attachment

An Attachment is a special bond developed between a child and primary caregiver which allows a child to feel secure emotionally and physically. Bowlby (1969) developed the theory of attachment indicates that attachment has a crucial period up until 2 ½ years of age in which an infant develops their internal working model which is how an infant will see themselves and what to expect from others based on their experiences.

New parents often feel an attachment immediately which is felt as an intense love or being extremely close to someone. Activities that assist in building attachment include things such as holding, rocking, singing, feeding, kissing, cuddling, talking, maintaining eye contact and smiling.

The below video is the Still Face Experiment. This experiment was developed by Dr Ed Tronick in the 1970’s. The still face experiment gives an insight into how a parent’s reactions can affect the emotional development of a baby. Early in our lives we were learning about other people’s reactions and how our behaviour can affect others. This experiment gives us insight into what it is like when connection does not occur.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apzXGEbZht0

The attachment of a child can be organised into different categories:

Secure Attachment

A securely attached baby will use their caregiver as a safe base which they will explore their environment from. When with their caregiver they will happily explore the room, area and items around them knowing that they have the safety of their caregiver to rely on to keep them safe from immediate danger. Children who are securely attached to their caregiver will become upset by their carer leaving the room however will become happy or return to what they were doing upon the caregivers return.

Avoidant Attachment (Insecure form of attachment)

A child who is insecurely attached will show insecurity by avoiding the caregiver. These children will avoid any interaction with the caregiver and do not show distress when the caregiver leaves the room. If the caregiver establishes interaction with the child, the child may respond by leaving away or attempting to remove themselves from the interaction.

Ambivalent Attachment (Insecure form of attachment)

A child who is in this category of attachment will cling to the caregiver however resist the caregiver by fighting against the closeness. Children who are in this attachment style will cling to the caregiver due to feeling very anxious or fearful  and do not explore their surroundings. When the caregiver leaves children will become very distressed however upon the caregivers return will push away the caregivers attempt to comfort them.

Disorganized Attachment (Insecure form of attachment)

Children who have a disorganized attachment may appear to be disorientated. They may appear to be dazed, confused or fearful. Babies in this category of attachment will show a strong pattern of both avoidance and resistance to the carer.

Children who have insecure attachment styles have a strong belief that adults can not be relied upon. Children may feel a deep need to take control of situations and can present as being bossy. Some children do not respond well to changes or things that are out of routine. This can cause stress for children who are insecurely attached as it causes uncertainty and takes away there sense of control. Another issue for children who are insecurely attached is the fact that they can struggle to develop a sense of empathy and lack of emotional control.

Source: Santrock, J. W. (2011). Life-span development. New York: McGraw-Hill.