"Discuss the development and the importance of attachment in early life making sure to include psychological theory and reference to psychological research in your answer"
Whilst the process of attachment in early life may appear straightforward, there is however, a number of theories that can explain how this can vary. The development and importance of attachment in early life is well portrayed in psychological theory and in psychological research. The definition of attachment according to Bowlby (1982) (Psychological Science by Michael Gazzaniga Page 366) is that "attachment is a strong, emotional connection that persists over time and across circumstances".
In order for a human being to have a successful social life in later years, it …show more content…
To ensure a successful attachment between infant and caregiver it is necessary for the caregiver and the infant to develop an emotional bond over time. If this emotional bond is not developed due to reasons such as the caregiver suffering from a mental illness, this will impact on the infant as well as the caregiver. The attachment style of the child could eventually change from being a secure attachment with their caregiver to an insecure attachment. To avoid this happening, it is necessary for the caregiver to develop skills that can be built over time to ensure the attachment between them and the child stays secure. As a result of the emotional and practical work done by the caregiver, it avoids the infant having further problems in the future such as peer intimidation and isolation at school. This was realised by Granot & Mayseless, 2001 (Psychological Science Michael Gazzaniga). These studies highlight how the development and attachment in early life are fundamentally some of the most important factors of a human being's life.
Insecure attachment can lead to unfavourable behaviours and problems. This was discovered by Munson, McMahon & Speiker,2001), which is stated in the Psychological Science Book, 5th edition. Secure attachment is related to better emotionally functioning children with better social behaviours and patterns as researched …show more content…
"Oxytocin plays a role in maternal tendencies, feelings of social acceptance and bonding, and sexual gratification; also, oxytocin promotes behaviours that ensure the survival of the young". When a mother is nursing a child the action of sucking will trigger the release of oxytocin in the Mother. When this occurs, the biological effect will move milk into the milk ducts allowing the infant to feed. This shows that the attachment theory of caregiver/child attachment that seems to be social in nature are also impacted by biological
Whilst the process of attachment in early life may appear straightforward, there is however, a number of theories that can explain how this can vary. The development and importance of attachment in early life is well portrayed in psychological theory and in psychological research. The definition of attachment according to Bowlby (1982) (Psychological Science by Michael Gazzaniga Page 366) is that "attachment is a strong, emotional connection that persists over time and across circumstances".
In order for a human being to have a successful social life in later years, it …show more content…
To ensure a successful attachment between infant and caregiver it is necessary for the caregiver and the infant to develop an emotional bond over time. If this emotional bond is not developed due to reasons such as the caregiver suffering from a mental illness, this will impact on the infant as well as the caregiver. The attachment style of the child could eventually change from being a secure attachment with their caregiver to an insecure attachment. To avoid this happening, it is necessary for the caregiver to develop skills that can be built over time to ensure the attachment between them and the child stays secure. As a result of the emotional and practical work done by the caregiver, it avoids the infant having further problems in the future such as peer intimidation and isolation at school. This was realised by Granot & Mayseless, 2001 (Psychological Science Michael Gazzaniga). These studies highlight how the development and attachment in early life are fundamentally some of the most important factors of a human being's life.
Insecure attachment can lead to unfavourable behaviours and problems. This was discovered by Munson, McMahon & Speiker,2001), which is stated in the Psychological Science Book, 5th edition. Secure attachment is related to better emotionally functioning children with better social behaviours and patterns as researched …show more content…
"Oxytocin plays a role in maternal tendencies, feelings of social acceptance and bonding, and sexual gratification; also, oxytocin promotes behaviours that ensure the survival of the young". When a mother is nursing a child the action of sucking will trigger the release of oxytocin in the Mother. When this occurs, the biological effect will move milk into the milk ducts allowing the infant to feed. This shows that the attachment theory of caregiver/child attachment that seems to be social in nature are also impacted by biological