Attachment theory

B1/A2 A theory that is relevant to change and transition is John Bowlby's 1907-1990 theory of attachment. Bowlby's theory looked at a child's bond with parents and their reaction when separated from their parents. Bowlby was asked by the world health organisation to study the mental health needs of homeless and orphaned children. During his study Bowlby reported the distress children shown when they where separated from their mother. Also Bowlby recognised that children attach themselves to…

The attachment theory is heavily influenced by Bowlby’s observations within ethology. Ethology is defined as the study of human and animal behavior. The emphasis of his observation was on evolutionary and biological purposes of behavior. Through his observations he found that as a child ages, their attachment level deepens. If the attachment does not deepen as normal there are strong chances of negative implications as they reach adulthood, which can range from less serious to more serious.…

Theories 1.2 Looking at theory of child development I have chosen to discuss Bowlby attachment theory and Rutter’s theory. Bowlby said that a child will suffer from maternal depravation if the child doesn’t experience a warm loving relationship with a mother or mother figure. When a child’s attachment is disrupted they do not develop healthy personalities. He said the need to form attachments are innate. Bowlby also said that the effects of separation can be seen from around the age of 5-6…

1.1 Summarise theories of attachment The term attachment is widely used by psychologists studying children’s early relationships. An attachment can be thought of as a unique emotional tie between a child and another person usually an adult or a special toy or blanket. Research has repeatedly shown that the quality of these ties or attachments will shape a child’s ability to form other relationships later in life. Attachment theories have shaped practice in day-to-day child care and education but…

Bowlby (1951) saw attachment behaviour as an instinctive reaction. The infant will use social releasers, such as crying and smiling to seek proximity to the primary caregiver, to ensure survival in evolutionary times. The infant will use social releasers when proximity to the caregiver is threatened, such as by separation, insecurity or fear. Social releasers will stimulate caregiving in adults, so that care and responsiveness become determinant for attachment. A securely attached child will…

It is important to consider applying this theory when working with a child and their family as it can make it easier to understand the information gathered during the assessment. Another characteristic of a good quality assessment is the ability to work within a multi-agency setting; including…

least three reasons why attachment theory and research has special significance for helping professionals. To begin, attachment theory plays a big part in psychology today. I believe attachment theory and research is significant, because it helps professionals be more knowledgeable of the client developmental stages. In addition, it helps professionals be aware of different attachment styles between the child and caregiver. Research helps professionals understand how attachment affects the…

Discuss Bowlby’s attachment theory and consider the implications of early attachments on later life relationships. The aim of this essay is to discuss Bowlby’s theory of attachment and to look at the implications that attachments has on relationships later on in life. The essay will first discuss what attachment is, then it will introduce Bowlby’s theory of attachment and after it will discuss the problems that attachment has on relationships. Attachment is described as the first tie or the…

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…

for the attachment behavior that infants generally have. He explains that the attachment behavior occurs because of the mother providing comfort, not food (Harlow, 1961; Harlow & Zimmermann, 1959). His studies also suggest that infants have an innate need to touch and to hold on to something for emotional comfort. Harlow’s findings on attachment behavior support John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth findings for their theory of attachment. John Bowlby was a psychoanalyst that defined attachment as…