...Impact of poor attachment on personal development Attachment theory offers an understanding of personality development and behaviour in close relationships and provides an account of the difference in people’s emotional and relationship styles. It relates to how resilient children will become later in life when facing life stressors. In its earliest form, attachment theory concentrated on the dynamics and quality of relationships between children and their parents, but it has since been expanded to cover the lifespan. The clear result seems that early parent-child relationship, and the degree of successful attachment, mediates and influences the course of a person’s development. (Howe, 1995) This essay is based on theories and concepts put forward by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, the two most important people who have influenced the theory of attachment. In this essay I will look at the impact poor attachment has on a person’s development and the reason for choosing to explore this topic, is having developed a keen interest around the influence of poor attachment with my father and the impact it has had on my life in terms of loving, trusting and sexual relationships. Pearce (2009) states that attachment is a term that can be used to describe the dependency relationship a child develops between them and their primary care-givers and progresses throughout the years of their lives. We are not born with attachment but “this special relationship emerges over time and through...
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...huge impact on their interaction with others during adulthood. Attachment is an emotional bond that is from one person to another, the attachment theory is a psychological theory that focuses on relationships between the caregiving and child. An infant will have to develop a relationship with a caregiver in order for them to develop socially and emotionally. Infants need to possess the social, emotional, and intellectual skills to achieve and flourish in this society. From the time that an infant is born, the people around him or her influence the child’s way of thinking towards any given relationship and this could lead to a healthy adult relationship; that is infant attachment. The attachment theory was presented by John Bowlby; he defined attachment as “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings”. Bowlby began studying the distress levels of an infant when they are separated from their mothers, and these findings opposed the behavior theory of attachment. The behavior theory of attachment indicated that a child becomes attached to the mother because she fed the infant, but when Bowlby observed the infants being fed by strangers they did not indicated any distress or anxiety (Mcleod, 2009). That’s when he came to the conclusion that attachment could be influenced by environmental circumstances, and the earliest bonds formed between caregiver and infant improves the child’s chance of survival. Attachment is ongoing and adaptive; it is a pattern of interactions between...
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...present at this or any other educational institution, or from any other source such as the internet. Name: Date: 14th March 2014 Please type the assignment title below: |Sensitive mothering is essential to the social and emotional development of the child. Discuss this statement in the context of relevant developmental theory. | In this essay I am going to explain the concept of ‘sensitive mothering’ and how it is essential to the social and emotional development of each child. I will discuss this statement in the context of relevant developmental theory. I will discuss the concepts of ‘attachment theory’ encompassing ‘internal working model’ (Bowlbey, cited in Smith, Cowie, Blades, 2003, p98) and quality attachment of John Bowlby. I will also link this explanation to the studies of Mary Ainsworth. ‘Sensitive Mothering’ is defined by Ainsworth (1969) as the style of interaction between the primary caregiver, normally the mother or mother figure, and the baby. Sensitive mothering is when someone is consistently responsive both physically and emotionally to her child. This responsiveness provides the child with a ‘secure base’ (Ainsworth, 1969) thus encouraging them to explore the world. (MCI Module, undated). It involves being sensitive to the needs of the...
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...and studies have given me a broader picture of the concept of sensitive mothering, mother and child bonding and their impacts on the social and emotional development of a child. In this essay we will discuss sensitive mothering in relation to attachment theory of John Bowlby together with Ainsworth patterns of attachment. Also, link the concept with Erik Erikson psychodynamic theory and will look into researches on the impact of early attachments on social and emotional development over a life span. Sensitive mothering as explained (Ainsworth et al. (1971) in Meins et al. 2001) is mother’s sensitivity and her positive attitude towards a child. Sensitive mother is able to understand a child’s specific behaviour and respond to his/her needs on time in a proper manner. She is able to establish mother- child communication and can arouse child senses without obstructing child’s own interest and always puts her child first. Sensitive mothering allows emotional attachment, and enables mothers to read child’s emotions and respond to them accordingly. In contrast, in sensitive mother is the one who gives priority to her own schedule and her care is based on her own wish. Thus, she ignores the child’s needs and as a result unable to have an attachment to her child which leads to insecurity and unpredictability so the two of them are not emotionally connected. We typically assume sensitive mothering as a role of mother but it is a caring relationship that can be performed by any one not...
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...the context of relevant developmental theory. Explain what is meant by the term sensitive mothering. Explain why sensitive mothering is important in building a positive emotional base. (15) - Give a definition of sensitive mothering (also consider insensitive mothering). - Link this to a positive or non-positive emotional base. Link this explanation to Bowlby’s attachment theory and Ainsworth’s studies. You will need to show an understanding of the internal working model of attachment and how sensitive mothering impacts on the quality of attachment. (25) - Outline Bowlby’s theory of attachment, showing evidence of how the ethological studies of Harlow and Lorenz, and his own research with war orphans and evacuees and juvenile delinquents impacted his theory. - Determine the phases of attachment and the development of the internal working model of attachment. - Consider Ainsworth’s research and the types of secure and insecure attachments that resulted from the research. - This needs to be linked back to mothering style and the internal working model of attachment that each infant is developing. Links also need to be made to Erikson’s relevant psychological stages of personality development, emphasising the importance of a supportive social environment. (15) - Consider Erikson’s psychosocial theory of personality, especially the first stage, and link to mothering style and the internal working model of attachment that each infant is developing. ...
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...Attachment Theory Attachment theory is a concept in developmental psychology and was defined by Schaffer (1993) as ‘A close emotional relationship between two persons characterised by mutual affection and a desire to maintain proximity’. Also, Maccoby (1980) describes the four characters of attachment: 1. Seeking proximity - the desire to be close to the person to whom you are attached. 2. Separation anxiety - the distress that results from being separated from that person. 3. Pleasure when reunited - relief and observable joy when reunited with them. 4. General orientation of behaviour towards the caregiver - the child’s awareness of where the person is, and the reassurance they feel by them being close. Harlow’s monkeys (1959): The origins of love. Harry Harlow used rhesus monkeys in his research into learning and noticed that many of the young monkeys kept in isolation became distressed when he cleaned out their cages. It seemed that the monkeys were forming an attachment with the sanitary towels he used to line the base of the cages. Harlow carried out a number of variations using sixteen young isolated monkeys. Some were kept in cages with both a wire surrogate mother and a softer one covered in Terry cloth whilst others were kept in cages with just one. Sometimes the monkeys would be fed by the wire mother and other times by the softer cuddlier mother. However, the important variation was the one with a monkey in a cage with a wire mother...
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...developmental potential. On the other hand, positive caregiver-child interactions are said to facilitate social-emotional development (Walker et al., 2011). This is especially true in infancy.” In this essay I wish to discuss the above emphasised statements in the context of normal social behaviour. This essay places specific emphases on three main areas; the role of attachment in child developement, how a lack of caregiver-child interactions affect the infant and the protective factors that could facilitate the child’s social-emotional development. After World War II, it was found that many children who lost their parents presented similar psychological difficulties (Cassidy & Shaver, 1999). Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby wrote a pamphlet on the situation, entitled “Meternal Deprivation”. Out of this work spawned the attachment theory. For the first time people became aware that the close careciver-child attachment, usually mother-child, was very important in the healthy development of a child. Research has since and is still being done on understanding the role of attachment. Principles of the theory have been used to explain a number of social behaviours, such as social dominence, hierarchical social structures and even justice (Bugental, Acquisition of the Algorithms of Social Life: A Domain-Based Approach, 2000). The knowledge brought to light by...
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...Reactive Attachment Disorder in Children and Adolescents in Institutionalized and in Foster Care, and Adoptive Families Lisa W. Marshall Liberty University Abstract It is believed children exposed to early institutional rearing are at risk for developing psychopathology (McGoron, et. al., 2012). Comparisons were made to discover if Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) was more prevalent in children raised institutions, foster care or adoptive families. Measurements included the Observational Record of the Caregiving Environment, Strange Situation Procedure, Disturbances of Attachment Interview, and the Preschool Aged Psychiatric Assessment (Smyke, et. al. 2012), the Reynolds Adolescent Adjustment Screening Interview (Cone, et. al., 2009) in addition to the Reactive Affective Disorder Checklist (RAD-C) and the Relationships Problem Questionnaire (RPQ), in the diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder (Thrall, et al., 2009). These measurements were not only utilized to discover the existence of RAD, but to test the validity of the methods. Additionally, treatment studies including holding, narrative therapy, parenting skills training, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, psychodrama, and/or neurofeedback (Wimmer, et. al.,2009) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (Cone, et. al.,2009) are examined. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) lists Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) as a serious, directly linked...
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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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...Attachment Paper Life Span Human Development Lela Lambe 10/25/15 Kristin Scott-Grove Introduction: Attachment is a strong, affectionate bond we have with our mother. Also, with special people in our lives during a lifetime. Attachment leads us to experience pleasure when we interact with time. Besides, to be comforted by nearness in times of stress. Lasting emotional connection that connects people to another within space and time. Attachment is a strong emotional and social bond of trust between the child and parents. That is very important for social and emotional development. In childhood, particular the first couple of years of life, attachment relationships help the immature brain use the mature functions of the parent’s brain to develop important capacities related to interpersonal functioning. The baby’s bond with their attachment caregiver. Offer experience-dependent neural avenue to develop. Particularly in the frontal lobes where the capacities are wire into the developing brain. Attachment Theory devised by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth to account for the impact of early separation and trauma on the child. Has revolutionized our views of development, psychopathology, and clinical work. Is the most prominent theory today regarding early socio-emotional development. The empirically based and support the research. The child is highly motivated beginning birth to form and maintain attachments to a few caregivers. Healthy attachments have successful...
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...various developmental theories to a child's development and discuss the concepts of 'attachment theory' encompassing 'internal working model' and 'quality attachment' of John Bowlby. I shall also discuss the eight stages contemplated in Erikson's psychosocial development and the impact attachment has on the social and emotional development of an individual. Ainsworth (1969) believed that ‘sensitive mothering’ is an important element in the development of a satisfactory mother-baby attachment (MCI Module, undated). The term ‘sensitive mothering’ refers to someone who is responsive emotionally and physically available for her child and is cooperative with her/him, someone who provides the child a ‘secure base’ (Ainsworth 1969) to explore the world. (MCI Module, undated). Mothers who were highly responsive and available to their children were more likely to have infants who developed more harmonious relationships with their mothers. Mothers who were sensitive, their children were more sympathetic, more compliant with adults and less likely to develop behavioural problems. Sensitive mothering in the first year of life is thought to predict the quality of the mother-infant attachment. On the other hand, mothers who were insensitive, rejecting, under involved were more likely to have infants who develop an insecure bond. The mother-infant relationship is thought to set the tone for all future relationships. The most famous attachment theorist was John Bowlby. He argued, “The need...
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...CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND As presented, this chapter discusses the problem and its background. This will help the reader to have an overview of the study specifically on the introduction, statement of the problem, significance of the study, and scope and delimitation. I. INTRODUCTION Teenage pregnancy is formally defined as a pregnancy in a young woman who has not reached her 20th birthday when the pregnancy ends, regardless of whether the woman is married or is legally an adult (age 14 to 21, depending on the country). In everyday speech, the speaker is usually referring to unmarried minors who become pregnant unintentionally. The average age of menarche (first menstrual period) is 12 years old, though this figure varies by ethnicity, and ovulation occurs only irregularly before this. Whether fertility leads to early pregnancy depends on a number of factors, both societal and personal. Worldwide, rates of teenage pregnancy range from 143 per 1000 in some sub-Saharan African countries to 2.9 per 1000 in South Korea. Pregnant teenagers face many of the same obstetrics issues as women in their 20s and 30s. However, there are additional medical concerns for younger mothers, particularly those under fifteen and those living in developing countries. For mothers between 15 and 19, age in itself is not a risk factor, but additional risks may be associated with socioeconomic factors. In developed countries, teenage pregnancies are associated with many social...
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...foundation for young children to develop their ability. Instead of feeling anxious about the possibility of being abandoned, children feel secured enable them to start exploring their environment and becoming independent. The very first relationship is usually built between a baby and a primary caregiver, usually the mother or mother substitute. This relationship is of particular significance as it develops the attachment, which is vital as the foundation of developing subsequent relationship (MCI, undated). "The propensity to make strong emotional bonds to particular individuals [is] a basic component of human nature" (Bowlby, 1988, p3) Attachment is described as “an enduring bond” (MCI, undated) and further elaborated by the attachment theorist, John Bowlby. He famously stated “what is believed to be essential for mental health is that an infant and young child should experience a warm, intimate and continuous relationship with his mother (or permanent mother substitute – one person who steadily ‘mothers’ him) in which both find satisfaction and enjoyment” (Bowlby, 1953). Bowlby was very much influenced by ethological studies in general, especially by Harry Harlow’s research with monkeys and Konrad Lorenz’s study of imprinting (McLeod, 2007). Harlow’s...
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...|ASSIGNMENT 1 | |Question 1 |What is meant in psychology by the term ‘attachment’? | | | | | |The psychological explanation for the term ‘attachment’ is where you form an emotional bond to| | |another person or object both physically and mentally. And to feel secure. | | |John Bowlby (1969) described it as a lasting psychological connectedness between human beings.| | | | | |He also stated that early experiences In childhood have an important influence on development | | |& behavior on the individual’s life. | | | | | |Attachment behavior is essentially a survival strategy from evolution for protecting infants | | |from predators. ...
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...From the moment we are born we are reliant on others for our survival. The attachment patterns established in infancy affect how we as humans perceive ourselves, interact with those around us and live in our world. Infants who experience confusing, frightening or broken emotional communications during infancy often grow into adolescents and later, adults who have trouble understanding their own emotions and those of others and have difficulty building and maintaining relationships and leading successful lives. Infant Attachment as defined in our textbook, is the close emotional bond between an infant and its primary caregiver. According to John Bowlby (1969,1989 as cited in King), in his theory of attachment, the infant and the mother instinctively form an attachment, he believed that infants are biologically pre programmed to form these attachments, that an infant’s attachment behaviors are instinctive and will be activated by any conditions that seem to threaten the achievement of proximity, such a separation, insecurity and fear. The way Bowlby saw it; infants are born with an instinct to survive. They signal their needs to their caregiver by crying, clinging, searching. The responsiveness of the caregiver determines whether the infant feels loved, secure, and confidant. The way in which the caregiver reacts, also determines what type of attachment the infant will develop. Bowlby thought that our early relationships with our caregivers serve as our schemas for...
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