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Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and later expanded by Mary Ainsworth, explores the deep emotional bonds that form between children and their primary caregivers. It emphasizes that early interactions with caregivers shape a child’s sense of security and influence their social, emotional, and cognitive development. According to the theory, a secure attachment characterized by consistent, responsive, and nurturing care - lays the foundation for healthy relationships and emotional regulation throughout life. In contrast, insecure attachments may lead to difficulties in trust, behavior, and emotional well-being. Attachment theory has become a cornerstone in understanding child development, parenting, and educational practices.
2. Formation of attachments in infancy and beyond
An infant’s attachment behaviours can attract the caregiver’s attention in a positive way (e.g. cooing, smiling and reaching out), as well as in the form of protest behaviours (e.g. crying and fretting). All these behaviours give strong signals, which lead caregivers to approach and respond to the needs of the baby. The adults who respond to these attachment behaviours become highly significant and, as a result, selective attachments begin to form from birth and early infancy (Messages, 2016).
A physically and emotionally available mother spends a lot of time cuddling and gazing at her baby, who responds by snuggling, babbling and smiling. This creates a reciprocal positive feedback loop of pleasure and satisfaction the ‘maternal-infant dance’ from which attachment develops (Schofield & Beek, 2014).
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