Attachment Theory in Young Children

3050 Words13 Pages
Research in attachment theory has recently challenged the way in which educators and caregivers support the learning and development of young children. In response to this, research programs and studies have started to adopt public policy to support the theory regarding the sensitivity needed to help children with poor attachments and assist them to better cope. There is an ongoing effort made by child care workers to become more educated on the necessary information and skills required to provide higher quality care (Rolfe 215-216). “It is how you are brought up (nurture) that governs the psychologically significant aspects of child development and the concept of maturation applies only to the biological. So, when an infant forms an attachment it is responding to the love and attention it has received, language comes from imitating the speech of others and cognitive development depends on the degree of stimulation in the environment and, more broadly, on the civilization within which the child is reared. Examples of an extreme nature positions in psychology include Bowlby's (1969) theory of attachment, which views the bond between mother and child as being an innate process that ensures survival”. (www.simplypsychology.org) According to this theory, it is the combination of societal and biological influences that affect behavior in our children. Since the brain is not fully developed at birth, the environment in which the child is exposed gives opportunity to further enhance or, consequently, inhibit many areas of development. Neurobiologist have found that early long term stress can actually change the brain functioning and, in turn, create an overly sensitive nervous system. Having a stable and secure attachment as an infant and toddler remains to be a highly contributing factor to a child’s individual behavior, while the lack of a stable and secure rearing
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