Mary Ainsworth Attachment

According to psychologist Mary Ainsworth, attachment may be defined as an affectional tie that one person or animal forms between themselves and another specific one- a tie that binds them together in space and endures over time.
Attachment is a bond where one person feels the need to have close contact with another person. They also experience distress during separation from that special person. This is particularly important during childhood. Attachment does not have to be mutual. One person may have an attachment to another who does not feel the same way. Attachment theory explains how parent-child relationships appear and impacts later development. Most researchers believe that attachment develops in stages.
These stages are as follows:
*indiscriminative attachments (0-3 months) for the most cases, anew-born is likely to attach to any human. *preference for a particular person (4+months) children start to determine primary and secondary care givers although will often accept care from anyone. *special preference for a particular person (7+months) children looks for comfort, protection and security in certain people.
They may show fear for strangers and discontent when separated from a special person they are attached to. Some children show this more than others. Attachment is usually developed by 12months of age. *multiple attachments (9+months) children should become more independent and form more attachments.
Attachments are most likely to be formed between the child and their parents or caregivers who respond to their needs quickly rather than those who just spend time with them. The amount of time children spend with their parents/caregivers is not the most crucial factor, the quality of the time spent together is better not the quantity. Several cross-cultural studies on attachment have been conducted. It was theorized that in western countries, most infants get attached to parents except in exceptional cases such as those with cognitive impairment. It was hypothesized that children with a secure attachment pattern inhabit more easily as compared to the children who are insecure. It was also assumed that attachment aids children in regulating emotions. Experiments have proven that attachments in early years is essential for their appropriate
development. Research has shown that children who have gone to a nursery or playgroup, or who have been cared for by a relative or childminder before starting school are often:
- More independent
- More able to interact with their peers
- More willing to share and play with others
- More sociable towards new people
- More confident
Children who have been at home with a parent and are used to one on one with that parent can sometimes find it difficult to be part of a group. They are more likely to desire adult attention and find it problematic to form relationships with other children.