John Bowlby And Mary Ainsworth s Attachment Theories

John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth s attachment theories derive from the idea that in early development infants develop different attachment behaviors in relation to their caregivers. This emotional bond between an infant and their parents can have an enduring impact on future relationships throughout an individual s life. Research has shown that there does not have to be a biological component for an infant to bond with a parent. Instead the bond or attachment is related to â€Å"quality and quantity† of interaction between parent and child. (Boyd, Bee, p. 130) There are four main attachment styles; secure attachment, insecure/avoidant attachment, insecure/ambivalent attachment, and insecure/disorganized attachment. (Boyd, Bee, p. 133) Each of the four attachment styles come with a variety of associated characteristics and behaviors. For example: a child who develops a secure attachment will be an active explorer, easily soothed, and prefers their mother over a stranger. In comparison an infant who develops an insecure/avoidant attachment avoid contact with their mother and has no preference in interaction with their mother over a stranger. Insecure children will not resist interaction from their mother, but they do not seek. Infants who have secure attachment will often seek contact and interaction with their mother. (Boyd, Bee, p. 133) Growing up I had a very nurturing and loving environment. Even though I am one of seven children my needs were always met by my parentsShow MoreRelatedRelation: Infant Mother Attachment and Eating Disorders1510 Words   |  7 Pagescorrelate the links between infant mother attachment and eating disorder behavior. Throughout this paper the two main theorists that are looked at are Mary S. Ainsworth and John Bowlby. Mary S. Ainsworth’s framework of attachment theory began in Uganda, while studying individual difference in infant behavior, which is known as the Strange Situation. John Bowlby coined the theory of infant mother attachment based on object relations psychoanalytical theory and the conceptualization that infants needRead MoreThe Theory Of Development Concepts And Applications By William Crain1076 Words   |  5 Pagesso many beautiful observations.   Our text Theories of Development Concepts and Applications by William Crain  outlines human development by many theorists.   A few of those are  John Bowlby,  Mary D.S. Ainsworth,  and  Ã‚  Erik H. Erikson.   I couldn t help but reminisce about the stages of my own children’s  growth while reading the work of Bowlby, Ainsworth and Erikson.   I remember having my  young children with me when ever it was possible, but what attachments to them might I have  missed while I  was busyRead MoreThe Attachment Theory and Factors Damaging to Attachment1163 Words   |  5 PagesAttachment Theory Relationships are the building block for personality and are significant in children’s ability to grow into substantial individuals who can thrive in an often harsh world. Constructing lasting and fulfilling relationships is an integral part to development as the interpersonal bonds forged are not only highly sought after but also set the ground work for all upcoming expressive interactions. Relationships and attachment go hand in hand as attachment is the strong and lasting linkageRead MoreEthological Theory of Attachment: The Development of Emotion in Children1803 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿How Ethological Theory of Attachment Helps in Understanding the Development of Emotion in Children from Adversity? Introduction Attachment theory has been jointly worked out by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. In presenting this theory, both of them have drawn out ideas from the fields of ethology, cybernetics, information processing, developmental psychology, and psychoanalysts. However, John Bowlby is the chief contributor who has originated the essential tenets of the theory. Thus, he has revolutionizedRead MoreErik Erikson s Theory And Theory908 Words   |  4 PagesBoth Erik Erikson’s theory and Mary Ainsworth and John Bowlby theory support the idea that early life experiences impact the person across their lifespan. Erikson’s developmental theory discusses the eight stages of life and the forces and values that arise at each stage, which should be developed within this frame. The attachment theory focuses on the interaction an individual has and the impact it may have on their psychological and social development. Both theories believe that personality beginsRead MoreEarly Infant Attachm ent And Subsequent Development1005 Words   |  5 PagesAnalyze the research on early infant attachment and subsequent development. The infant-caregiver relationship is vastly important to the proper and healthy development of an infant and throughout the duration of the infant’s life. However, the types of relationships attained through attachments as well as socialization goals vary across cultures (Gross, 2011).Secure infant attachments are however, extremely important to overall healthy psychosocial development and prosocial behavior and can be analyzedRead MoreHow Does Attachment Influence The Social And Emotional Development Of The Child? Essay1378 Words   |  6 PagesHow does attachment influence the social and emotional development of the child? A child’s social and emotional development has significant implications for the social functioning of a child throughout their lives, in their education, friendships and employment. A child with poor or social and emotional development are at risk of experiencing poor relationships with peers, academic problems and can lead them into involvement i n unsociable activities or crime. Research suggests the key to socialRead MoreAinsworth s Theory Of Attachment1184 Words   |  5 PagesRoxanne Keller Instructor Hira Nair Psychology 0101 Ainsworth’s Theory of Attachment 11/02/2015 Introduction I chose the topic of human attachment because I think it is a beautiful thing to watch. To see an infant so instantly attached to its mother/father. It’s just an amazing thing to see and to experience. In this layout I will briefly explain the attachment theory and its origins as well as how I relate to it. Attachment is the emotional bond that forms between an infant and its caregiverRead MoreCompare and Contrast the Work of Harry Harlow and Mary Ainsworth on Understanding Attachment.1489 Words   |  6 Pagespsychologists Harry Harlow and Mary Ainsworth. To compare and contrast will be to emphasise the similarities and differences of both Harlow and Ainsworth’s work on understanding attachment, to which they have both made great contribution. Attachment refers to the mutually affectionate developing bond between a mother and any other caregiver (Custance 2010). It is a bond in which the infant sees the caregiver as a protective and security figure. Failing to form any type of attachment during the earliest yearsRead MoreAttachment Theory: Childrens Attachment to a Caregivers833 Words   |  4 Pagesresponsive to their needs. Image by Jeff Osborne What is Attachment? Attachment is an emotional bond to another person. Psychologist John Bowlby was the first attachment theorist, describing attachment as a lasting psychological connectedness between human beings (Bowlby, 1969, p. 194). Bowlby believed that the earliest bonds formed by children with their caregivers have a tremendous impact that continues throughout life. According to Bowlby, attachment also serves to keep the infant close to the mother