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Applying John Bowlby's Attachment Theory

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John Bowlby a British psychiatrist was the first to apply the idea of attachment theory. He defines it as the bond between infant and caregiver. In this case, Liam is the infant and the caregivers are his parents. The quality of the attachment to his parents has deep implications for Liam’s feelings of safety and capacity, to form a trusting relationship (Berk, 2013, p. 429). Attachment theory is defined as “a continuing affectionate bond that ties a person to another, over time and across space,” and gives the infant feelings of safety, sanctuary, and protection, it provides a safe base from which to explore the world (Brooks, 2013, p. 85).The behavior of Liam’s parents towards him determines the level of attachment he has with his parents. …show more content…
According to attachment theory, the responses of parents to their infants’ earliest behaviors (crying, looking, reaching) profoundly impact the development of infants’ bond with their caregiver. This bond has been established with Liam and his parents.
You can identify that Liam has a strong attachment to his parents by observing his behavior when he is dropped off at childcare. Liam is a year old, toddlers at this age that have a secure attachment to their parents usually experience separation anxiety. Liam will protest or cry when his parent is not in sight or leaves them with the daycare provider. However, this anxiety does not arise in all children and varies in intensity from child to child (Berk, 2013, p. 429).
Liam’s parents would have talked to him in a soothing voice as an infant and cradled him in their arms when he was upset to nurture him. They would have responded to his cries in a timely manner with compassion to establish a secure attachment with him. For Liam, this secure attachment will have a positive impact on his relationship with his parents in the future as he grows up. With a secure attachment to your parents, you feel closer to them and have a strong sense of

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