attachment: The emotional bond which forms between an infant and
another person
Usually the main caregivers such as mother and father
Often strong attachment to one parent
Also may be strong attachment to other significant people in
the infant’s life
All infants are born with an innate set of traits and desires,
with an inherent desire to bond with their caregivers. One of
these desires is the desire to seek comfort from others.
infants under 6 months: Do not fully recognise caregiver visually
From 2 months might be upset if main caregiver not paying
attention to them
However, will accept comfort from anyone who provides it
infants at 6-8 months: Special attachment to main caregiver - usually mother
Likely to cry and cling when main caregiver leaves
Reacts with aversion to others who try to comfort
Developing first meaningful attachment
Significance of attachment in infancy: Thought to influence emotional development in short term and into
adulthood
Linked to development of trust and security
Absence of attachment can result in anxiety
Ability to read and analyse emotions, and emotional resilience later in
childhood linked to type of attachment in infancy
secure attachment: a child is comforted by a caregiver when distressed. it is when the caregiver meets the child's needs.
insecure attachment: is when the child is unable to form a secure attachment to their primary caregiver. its when the caregiver is unable to meet the child's needs and ignores them.
A style of attachment in which a strong, healthy emotional bond is formed between the infant and their primary caregiver due to the caregiver consistently meeting the needs of the infant
A style of attachment in which the infant fluctuates between clinging to and rejecting their primary caregiver, usually due to the caregiver inconsistently meeting the infant's needs
A style of attachment in which the infant may be reluctant to or avoid contact from their primary caregiver, usually due to the caregiver NOT responding to the infant's needs