Critically Discuss Attachment Theory

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Critically discuss attachment theory In this essay I shall attempt to define what attachment theory is, briefly go over its history, look at the most important people who have formed and influenced this theory and then finally discuss any criticisms of the theory. Before I look at each of these and to help in the examination of this question, I feel that I should, first define what attachment theory is. According to Kagan et el (1978 cited in Gross 2010:494) an attachment is an intense emotional relationship that is specific to two people, that endures over time, and in which prolonged separation from the partner is accompanied by stress and sorrow. Pearce (2009:13) says that “attachment is a term used to describe the dependency relationship a child develops towards his or her primary caregivers.” As you can see from the two quotes there is already a slight difference as Kagan is more general, while Pearce is more specific. Pearce (2009:13) goes on to say “It is more observable during the latter half of the first year of life and develops progressively over the first four years of life.” It must also be pointed out that we are not born with attachment but “this special relationship emerges over time and through a series of stages” Pearce (2009:19). So attachment theory is, essentially, to do with human relationships. As attachment theory is a theory of psychology I feel that I should also define what psychology is. Richard Gross (2010:2) defines psychology as “the study of the mind.” According to Medilexicon’s medical dictionary, psychology is” The profession (clinical psychology), scholarly discipline (academic psychology), and science (research psychology) concerned with the behaviour of humans and animals, and related mental and physiologic processes.” To understand attachment theory I must briefly look at the history of it. I will then look at

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