Social and Emotional Development

attachment theory

children develop an attachment style to their primary caregiver early in development

attachment

a deep emotional bond that connects one person to another - it does not have to be reciprocal and replicated

monotropy

children have one primary attachment

filial imprinting

newborns of a species follows and becomes bonded to the first moving object they encounter

evolutionary theory of attachment

children are programmed to be cute in order to receive an affectionate parental response

Behavioral theory of attachment

contact/touch is vital to attachment over food

Harlow’s monkeys

a study on the behavioral theory of attachment using baby monkeys separated from their mothers at birth

Mary Ainsworth

reseacher on the attachment styles/growth of love

secure attachment

the child is upset but can be calmed, suggesting the parent is a safe base to explore new environments; tend to be more comfortable in relationships later on in life

insecure attachment

child is unable to be comforted or is violent/distant upon return; more difficult trusting others later in life

Avoidant attachment style

distanced parent leads to a disengaged child who subconsciously believes their needs will not be met

disorganized attachment style

a frightening parent leads to an unresponsive/depressed child who is severely confused with no strategies on how to have their needs met.

ambivalent/anxious attachment style

an inconsistent parent leads to an anxious child that cannot rely on their needs to be met

secure attachment style

a consistent and sensitive parent leads to a happy child that believes their needs will be met