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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.
1. Meaning of the concept of attachment
Attachment refers to a deep and enduring emotional bond that forms between two individuals, such as infant and caregiver. It plays a profound role in human experience, because it becomes an engine of subsequent social, emotional, and cognitive development. Such bonds may be reciprocal between two adults, but between a child and a caregiver, these bonds are based on the child’s need for safety, security and protection. The early social experience of the infant stimulates growth of the brain and can have an enduring influence on the ability to form stable relationships with others (Delsaux, 2024).
Attachment allows the infant to set up a mental representation of the caregiver in an infant’s mind, one that can be looked back on as a comforting mental presence in difficult moments, which is the infants first coping mechanism. It also prepares an infant to separate from the caregiver without distress and to begin to explore the world around her.
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