Essay: Attachment in Primates and Humans

Attachment is

Attachment is the strong emotional bond that forms between infants and their caregivers. Research on both primates and humans shows that this bond is essential for survival, emotional security, and social development. Without attachment, young individuals struggle to thrive.

2 Harry Harlow’s studies with monkeys

Harry Harlow’s studies with monkeys showed the importance of comfort and security. Baby monkeys preferred cloth surrogate mothers that provided warmth over wire mothers that only provided food. This demonstrated that attachment is about more than physical needs—it is about emotional connection.

3 In humans, Mary Ainsworth developed the Strange Situation

In humans, Mary Ainsworth developed the Strange Situation experiment to study attachment patterns. Infants were observed as their mothers left the room and returned. Their reactions revealed different attachment styles: secure, insecure-avoidant, and insecure-resistant.

4 Securely attached infants showed

Securely attached infants showed distress when the caregiver left but were easily comforted upon return. Insecurely attached infants either avoided the caregiver or became overly anxious and difficult to soothe. These patterns show how early experiences shape emotional development.

In conclusion,

In conclusion, both primate research and the Strange Situation highlight that attachment is based on comfort, trust, and security, not just basic needs. Understanding these patterns helps caregivers and psychologists support healthy child development.