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Applying John Bowlby's Attachment Theory

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At birth, infants are dependent upon a caregiver to provide them with essentials, such as water, shelter, clothing and food. In addition, an infant needs more than physical items; infants need to be supported, loved, and comforted. John Bowlby introduced the attachment theory that suggests that children are inclined to attach themselves to caregivers to increase their chances of survival. Bowlby discussed that an infant progresses through four phases: preattachment, attachment-in-the-making, clear-cut, and reciprocal relationships. By the time a child is two-years-old, he is capable of developing a working partnership with his caregiver. Mary Ainsworth tested Bowlby’s theories, and she discovered four categories that children belong to: secure,

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