Childhood Attachment

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What is attachment? Attachment is defined as “the emotional bond between the child and the parent”. (IJzendoorn, 2012) The development of an attachment progresses over a period of time. An attachment is often expressed when a child is struggling and the caregiver responds to their needs. Researchers have identified that there are two types of attachment: secure and insecure. A child who has created a secure attachment with a caregiver will strongly desire them over a stranger, initiate interactions with them as well as show happiness and comfortability when they return after being away. These children use their caregiver “as a secure base from which to explore.” (White, 2010) . Insecure attachments can be divided into 3 patterns: avoidant,…show more content…
The theory of childhood attachment is important because of the impact that it can have on the child presently, as well as in the future. Childhood attachments have a significant impact on both the caregiver and the child. Children who have formed an attachment with a caregiver rely greatly on them. This can be expressed through their interactions, reactions and social/emotional skills. Studies have shown that a child’s development can be holistically effected by a secure attachment. Secure attachments create opportunity for expansion of knowledge. (Encyclopedia of Children's Health, n.d.) The quality of the infant/toddler’s attachment experience often determines how the child will feel about others and themselves. Children gain both social and emotional skills from experiencing a secure attachment. Socially, those who have insecure experience may be more fearful and doubting of other’s ability to provide. (Wittmer, n.d.) Alternatively, children who have experienced a secure bond gain the social skills to assist then in forming strong relationships. They learn cooperation skills as well as how to relate to others from their relationships with their caregiver. (IJzendoorn,…show more content…
A psychologist, Alan Soufe, along with his team from the University of Minnesota researched the long term effects of attachment thoroughly when he observed 3 families with children ages 12-18 months. The studies began to show the effects as early as in the preschool stage. Children who experienced a secure attachment had already begin to express stronger social skills. They had a stronger understanding of emotions, and were more independent. As these children advanced through adolescence, the results of the study remained the same. These children’s social and emotional skills continued to be more advanced than those who experienced an insecure attachment. Their self-expression and self-confidence was much stronger, leading to the ability to be a leader. (Cook & Cook,

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