Attachment Theory Overview

• Core Argument: Strong emotional and physical bonds to a primary caregiver in early life are crucial for development.
• Secure Attachment: Results in feeling safe to explore, trusting others, and forming successful relationships.
• Insecure Attachment: Leads to mistrust, lack of social skills, and difficulty in forming relationships.

Types of Attachment

1. Secure Attachment
   • Characterized by organized response to distress.
2. Insecure Attachments
   • Anxious/Ambivalent: Organized response but clingy and unpredictable behaviors.
   • Anxious/Avoidant: Avoids showing emotions; fears connection.
   • Anxious/Disorganized: Experiences fear without resolution; avoidance of social situations.

Case Study: The Smith Family

• Luka (6 years old)
  • Secure Attachment
  • Developed trust and optimism due to a strong bond and safe base.
• Ann (3 years old)
  • Anxious/Ambivalent Attachment
  • Clingy and unpredictable following her father's death; less positive self-image.
• Joe (2 years old)
  • Anxious/Avoidant Attachment
  • Avoids showing emotions due to punitive uncle; negative self-image.
• Amy (1 year old)
  • Anxious/Disorganized Attachment
  • Experiences fear in nursery; very negative self-image.

Implications of Attachment

• Formation in Early Years
  • Critical period when children cannot communicate anxiety, leading to stress.
  • Toxic Stress: Affects brain development and weakens immune system.

Assessment of Attachment Styles

• Strange Situation Simulation
  • Observes child's reaction to mother's departure and return.
  • Securely attached children calm and resume play.
  • Insecurely attached children may exhibit prolonged distress or avoidance.

Long-term Effects

• Predictions: Early attachment can predict educational outcomes (e.g., high school dropout rate).
• Health Correlations: Past assessments of parental closeness linked to adult health outcomes.
  • Broken relationships linked to higher health issues.
  • Warm relationships linked to better health.

Importance of Early Years

• Behavioral Development
  • Secure attachment fosters positive social interactions and optimism.
  • Insecure attachment can lead to missed opportunities for positive reinforcement.

Key Quote

• John Bowlby: "What cannot be communicated to the mother, cannot be communicated to the self." Emphasizes the foundational role of early attachment in self-understanding.