effects on childhood

• Childhood friendships The Minnesota child-parent study mentioned on page 79 found continuity between early attachment and later emotional/social behaviour. Individuals who were classified as securely attached in infancy were highest rated for social competence later in childhood, were less isolated and more popular, and more empathetic. This can be explained in terms of the internal working model because securely attached infants have higher expectations that others are friendly and trusting, and this would enable easier relationships with others.
• Mental health The lack of an attachment during the critical period in development would result in a lack of an internal working model. Children with attachment disorder have no preferred attachment figure, an inability to interact and relate to others that is evident before the age of five, and experience of severe neglect or frequent change of caregivers. For some time a condition called attachment disorder has been recognised but it has recently been classed as a distinct psychiatric condition and included in the DSM.