Childhood Attachment Theory

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Attachment theory has evolved over the years, and is based on the effects of maternal or primary caregiver separation on a child’s development (Binger & Gerhardt, 2013). Attachment theory perspective is credited to John Bowlby, who was interested in better understanding cognitive and developmental psychology. He proposed that attachment would be significant throughout the lifespan and across many different relationships (Levy, 2013). Society largely encourages bonding between an infant and the primary caregiver. Redshaw and Martin (2013) maintain that while society and many health professionals use bonding and attachment interchangeably, they are not the same. “‘Bonding’ is not ‘attachment’ and attachment is not an instantaneous process.” (Redshaw …show more content…
There are a number of parent education programs and other resources available to families that are preparing for parenthood, and for those that are parents already. Forming a secure attachment is the foundation of many of these programs. Butcher and Gersh (2014) explore the parent-child relationship through the attachment theory lens in “Time Together” home visits with parents experiencing difficulty relating to their children. The program is designed to empower these parents, bringing them into harmony, and ultimately increasing their level of social engagement (Butcher & Gersch, 2014). At the Center for Babies, Toddlers, and Families, secure attachment is considered a hallmark of mental health. By assisting clients in exploring their own attachment style, they are able to help them become more effective parents (American Museum of Natural History, …show more content…
Encouraging healthy attachment gives parents insight on the strategies that are and are not working for them, allowing them to let go of those that are ineffective (EmpoweredToConnect, 2013). The focus is primarily on the parent, but will have a tremendous impact on the child. “This is because changes in the parent’s behavior and subjective experiences of the children directly effect changes in children’s and adolescent’s working models of self and others” (Kindsvatter & Desmond, 2013). As research on attachment theory continues, it is imperative that family professionals continue learning. It is also important to stay up-to-date on current resources available to families in
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