The aim of this assignment is to discuss the long term effects of early social development, looking at two different theories of attachment (the evolutionary theory and the learning theory).
Attachment as an infant refers to a unique relationship or bond that develops between the infant and a main caregiver (usually the mother) from a young age and beyond over time (Ainsworth, 1973; Bowlby, 1969). The ability to form attachment is said to be due to two things ‘nature or nurture’ (evolutionary and learning theory). Nature is described as an innate process present in both the infant and the mother which naturally and biologically aids the attachment process. Nurture on the other hand is said to be a learnt behaviour and the attachment is a necessary means to survival (due to the need of food) (Good-Therapy, 2015).
The Evolutionary theory was introduced by John Bowlby (1970-1990), a psychologist who believed that most behavioural issues were due to failed attachments at a young age. According to Bowlby there were 3 main components that had to be met in order for the child to form successful attachments. Firstly, he claimed that a …show more content…
This could put unnecessary pressure and guilt onto the mother or primary care giver as evidence has shown that deprivation in childhood could lead to minor crimes, reduced intelligence, depression and affectionless psychopathy. However, if the child is receiving Bowlby’s 3 key criteria’s for positive attachment (continuous relationship, less frequent separations within the critical period and a maternal caregiver substitute), with the addition of equivalent good quality care, with stimulating and rewarding activities this should make an enriching environment. More recent evidence has shown that children attending nurseries today is seen as a positive rather than a negative. A report by a science editor shows
Attachment as an infant refers to a unique relationship or bond that develops between the infant and a main caregiver (usually the mother) from a young age and beyond over time (Ainsworth, 1973; Bowlby, 1969). The ability to form attachment is said to be due to two things ‘nature or nurture’ (evolutionary and learning theory). Nature is described as an innate process present in both the infant and the mother which naturally and biologically aids the attachment process. Nurture on the other hand is said to be a learnt behaviour and the attachment is a necessary means to survival (due to the need of food) (Good-Therapy, 2015).
The Evolutionary theory was introduced by John Bowlby (1970-1990), a psychologist who believed that most behavioural issues were due to failed attachments at a young age. According to Bowlby there were 3 main components that had to be met in order for the child to form successful attachments. Firstly, he claimed that a …show more content…
This could put unnecessary pressure and guilt onto the mother or primary care giver as evidence has shown that deprivation in childhood could lead to minor crimes, reduced intelligence, depression and affectionless psychopathy. However, if the child is receiving Bowlby’s 3 key criteria’s for positive attachment (continuous relationship, less frequent separations within the critical period and a maternal caregiver substitute), with the addition of equivalent good quality care, with stimulating and rewarding activities this should make an enriching environment. More recent evidence has shown that children attending nurseries today is seen as a positive rather than a negative. A report by a science editor shows