Sensitive Parenting Is the Most Important Factor in a Childs Psychological Development. Discuss

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Sarah Marshall C3604893 TMA03 Sensitive parenting is the most important factor in a childs Psychological development. Discuss. This essay will explore the idea that although Sensitive parenting is important to the positive psychological development of a child, the impact of both biological and other environmental factors have equal importance. The essay will explain Bowlbys attachment theory and examine the evidence to see if gives support to the importance of sensitive parenting. The relationship between parent and child has often been held responsible for the long term outcome of that child’s personality, behaviour and role within our social world. A successful adult will often praise parents for the love, support and sensitive parenting exhibited during their childhood. Likewise an adult involved in criminal behaviour will often “blame” the negative relationship experienced with their parents. Whilst it is more complex than being able to attribute positive and negative achievements solely to the parents, parents have a massive role to play in the social and emotional development of their children. Psychologists believe it is the earliest part of childhood – infancy that the relationships with parents are forged and these interactions are the building blocks for the children’s positive or negative experience of the social world. A sensitive parent responds promptly, consistently and appropriately to infants and children. They handle them gently, and are warm and affectionate towards them. Sensitive parenting is associated with Type b secure attachment. There is a great deal of evidence for the importance of sensitive parenting cross culturally, but it has been difficult to isolate which aspects of sensitive parenting behaviour are the most important Harlow (1958) conducted research using baby monkeys and a surrogate mother which highlighted the process by
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