Definitions

• What is an attachment?

  An emotional bond with a specific person which is two-way and enduring. A bond in which each individual sees the other as essential for their own emotional security.
• How long does it take for humans to form an attachment?

  A few months
• What are the short-term benefits of an attachment?

  Survival
• What are the long-term benefits of an attachment?

  Sets a template for future relationships
• What does altricial mean?

  Human babies are born at a relatively early stage of development. They need to form bonds with adults who will protect and nurture them.
• What a precocial animals?

  Animals born at advanced stages of development, e.g., foals walk soon after birth.
• What is reciprocity?

  The interaction of similar behaviour patterns between carer and infant. They result in mutual behaviours in which they can produce responses from each other, building the attachment bond.
• What is interactional synchrony?

  Co-ordinated rhythmic exchanges between carer and infant. This reinforces the attachment bond.