Bowlby Attachment Theory

Explain and evaluate key theories of attachment and how these shape infant health and wellbeing policy and practices.

One of the key theorists of attachment is John Bowlby and his ‘Attachment theory". Bowlby believed ‘the attachment of a caregiver is an inherited mechanism to safeguard and take care of their health and wellbeing.' (Marrone, 2014, p. 9) This shows babies and children need a form of secure attachment to stay well-nourished and supported in different aspects; for example, being fed, changed and loved. In the late 60s, ‘Bowlby established that a child needs a secure attachment with one main caregiver to help their holistic development.' (Waude, 2017) This statement shows that Bowlby believed, for a child to develop effectively, …show more content…
Their study consisted of 60 babies/children from birth to 18 months. During the study ‘Schaffer and Emerson interviewed the parents and careers regularly about the attachment Behaviour of their child mainly focusing on when they are separated from their child.' (Jarvis and Chandler, 2001, p. 23) The First stage Schaffer and Emerson (1964) had discovered was ‘The asocial stage' which occurs from birth to two months. At this stage ‘the infant responds to voices, they do not form attachments and are ready to receive comfort from strangers.' (Jarvis and Chandler, 2001, p. 23) This gives evidence that babies need time to bond to form a secure attachment with their main caregiver. The second stage Schaffer and Emerson (1964) discovered was ‘The indiscriminate attachment stage' which takes place when the baby is 2-7 months. During this stage ‘infants can recognise familiar adults and strangers, they do not get restless around strangers.' (Jarvis and Chandler, 2001, p. 23) This shows that babies will gradually start to form an attachment with their caregiver, as they can recognise the difference between their career and a stranger. The third stage is ‘The specific attachment stage' it occurs when babies are around 7 months. During this stage ‘babies will begin to show more attachment to their main caregiver and will be cautious of strangers.' (Jarvis and Chandler, 2001, p. 23) This shows the baby has a secure attachment with their main caregiver and may feel distressed and anxious when left with a stranger, or the stranger is in the room. The last and final stage of Schaffer and Emerson's research is ‘The multiple attachment' this stage occurs after the baby is 10 months it is when ‘the baby beings to form more than one attachment, but will usually be more attached to the one who responds to their emotional needs' (Jarvis and Chandler, 2001, p.

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