Attachment Theory describes intergenerational attachment relations. The theory makes a valuable contribution into studying child development by suggesting the possibility of helping children by working with their parents. Empirical evidence shows that self-reliant and secure individuals usually have supportive parents, who allow and support autonomy.
One of the main conclusions of the Bowlby’s research was that children need warm and intimate relationships with the permanent caregiver (most often mother) to grow up mentally healthy. The quality of interaction depends on the sensitivity of the attachment figure to the child’s signals. Moreover, during the preschool years the so called goal-corrected relationship develops between a child and a caregiver, which is based on the parental care giving but is expanded by the child’s increasing understanding of the attachment figure’s motives.
The attachment theory draws on the William Blatz’s security theory, which claims that children need to develop a secure dependence on the attachment figure (often parent) before exploring unfamiliar situations. If the attachment figure provides protection and comfort to the child, while accepting the child’s need for exploration, the child views his/her “self” as reliable and appreciated.
The separation part of the attachment theory suggests the 3 phases of response to separation with the attachment figure: protest, despair, and denial/detachment, which are activated by the attachment behaviour and by escape mechanisms both in children and adults. Separation anxiety could be caused by the unpleasant family experiences, such as abandonment, illness, death or rejection. It can also be followed by emotional detachment from the original cause, thus children may assume the role of the attachment figure.
The current attachment theory research explores attachment representation, attachment across the life-span and its implications for the psychopathology, thus giving new insights into treating children, who experience depression, abuse or behaviour problems.
References
Bretherton, I. (1992). The origins of attachment theory: John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth.
Developmental Psychology, 28, 759-775. Retrieved from
http://www.psychology.sunysb.edu/attachment/online/inge_origins.pdf
