3.1 Explain how attachments develop

This guide will help you answer 3.1 Explain how attachments develop.

Attachment is an emotional bond between a child and their primary carer. It is essential for a child’s emotional and social development. This bond provides the child with a sense of security and comfort. It influences their ability to form future relationships.

Early Attachment Theories

Several theories explain how attachments develop. The most prominent ones are:

Bowlby’s Attachment Theory

John Bowlby argued that children are born with an innate ability to form attachments. He suggested that attachment behaviours, such as crying and clinging, are adaptive responses to enhance the child’s survival.

• Monotropy: Bowlby believed that a child has an innate need to attach to one main figure, usually the mother. This is called monotropy.
• Critical Period: Bowlby proposed that the first two years of life are essential for developing attachments. If a child does not form an attachment within this period, it could lead to difficulties in later life.
• Internal Working Model: Bowlby suggested that children form an internal working model from their first attachment relationship. This model becomes a blueprint for future relationships.

Ainsworth’s Attachment Styles

Mary Ainsworth expanded on Bowlby’s work through her “Strange Situation” study. She identified four main attachment styles:

1. Secure Attachment: Children feel distress when their caregiver leaves but are able to compose themselves knowing that their caregiver will return.
2. Avoidant Attachment: Children are not distressed when their caregiver leaves and avoid them when they return.
3. Resistant (or Ambivalent) Attachment: Children are very distressed when their caregiver leaves and are ambivalent when they return, seeking but resisting comfort.
4. Disorganised Attachment: Children show a lack of clear attachment behaviour. Their actions and responses can be inconsistent and contradictory.

Stages of Attachment Development

Attachments develop through a sequence of stages. Understanding these stages helps childcare workers provide appropriate support.

1. Pre-Attachment (0-6 weeks)

In this initial stage, infants show attachment behaviours like crying and smiling. These behaviours are aimed at any human figures.

• Behaviours: Crying, cooing, smiling.
• Purpose: To attract attention and care.

2. Attachment-in-the-Making (6 weeks – 6-8 months)

Infants begin to show preferences for their primary carer. They become more responsive to the carer and may start to form a sense of trust.

• Behaviours: Smiling more to familiar faces, being more easily calmed by the carer.
• Purpose: To begin forming trust and recognising the carer.

3. Clear-Cut Attachment (6-8 months – 18 months-2 years)

Attachments become more evident and clear. The child actively seeks proximity to the carer, especially when distressed.

• Behaviours: Separation anxiety, clinginess.
• Purpose: To maintain contact with the carer for safety and comfort.

4. Formation of Reciprocal Relationships (18 months – 2 years and beyond)

The child starts to understand factors influencing the carer’s coming and going. This understanding lessens separation anxiety.

• Behaviours: Better coping with separations, more predictable attachment behaviours.
• Purpose: To form balanced, reciprocal relationships.

Factors Influencing Attachment

Multiple factors affect how attachments develop. Understanding these can help childcare workers support optimal development.

Sensitivity and Responsiveness

• Consistency: Consistent responses to a child’s needs strengthen attachment.
• Sensitivity: Being attuned to a child’s needs and moods helps form secure attachments.

Parental Factors

• Mental Health: A carer’s mental health can influence their ability to respond effectively to the child.
• Parenting Style: Authoritative, responsive parenting promotes secure attachments.

Child’s Temperament

• Easy vs. Difficult: A child’s temperament can affect their attachment style. Easy-going children might form attachments more easily compared to difficult or highly reactive children.

Environmental Factors

• Social Support: A supportive network can positively impact a carer’s ability to provide consistent care.
• Socioeconomic Status: Economic pressures can affect the quality of interaction between a child and carer.

The Role of Early Years Practitioners in Promoting Healthy Attachments

Early Years Practitioners play an essential role in fostering secure attachments. Here are some ways to support attachment development:

• Consistency: Provide consistent care and routines. This helps children feel safe and secure.
• Sensitivity: Be attuned to children’s needs and respond promptly. This builds trust and security.
• Secure Base: Act as a secure base from which children can explore. Encourage independence but offer reassurance.
• Positive Interactions: Engage in positive and meaningful interactions. Smile, make eye contact, and show affection.
• Parental Involvement: Work closely with parents to understand and support each child. Share insights and provide guidance to help them build strong attachments at home.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how attachments develop is fundamental for any Early Years Practitioner. It helps in providing the care and support children need to form healthy attachments. By being informed and sensitive to the factors influencing attachment, practitioners can actually impact a child’s emotional and social development. Practitioners play an essential role in the early stages, creating a foundation for future healthy relationships.

By following these principles, you can foster a nurturing environment. This environment will help children grow into secure, confident, and socially adept individuals.