Attachment Theories

John Bowlby

The theory is based on research from the 1940s, linking social, emotional, and cognitive development to the child's relationship with their mother.

A deep and enduring emotional bond that connects a child to their primary caregiver.

Approximately 0-3 years.

Intense distress when the mother (primary caregiver) is not present.

A schema that acts as a template for future relationships, affecting how a child will form attachments as they grow up.

Infants with strong attachments in infancy are likely to be socially and emotionally competent, whereas those without strong attachments may face difficulties with their emotional and social well-being.

Critics say Bowlby oversimplified attachment, and Rutter argued that privation (no opportunity to form an attachment), not maternal deprivation, is more damaging.

She conducted the strange situation experiment and identified three forms of attachment: Secure, Insecure-Avoidant, and Insecure-Resistant.

Children show separation anxiety when the mother leaves and are happy when she returns, showing no interest in strangers.