Attachment is essential for infants because it helps them
Stranger anxiety is a normal developmental stage in which infants become cautious or fearful around unfamiliar people. It is believed to be rooted in the infant's natural attachment to familiar caregivers and their need for security and protection. This anxiety typically peaks around 8-9 months of age as infants become more aware of their surroundings and differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar faces.
Mothers who exhibit unresponsive, insensitive, and coldly rejecting behaviors are often associated with insecure attachment in their infants. This lack of emotional warmth and responsiveness can lead to a child's feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and low self-esteem in relationships. Consequently, these infants may develop avoidant or anxious attachment styles, impacting their ability to form healthy emotional connections in the future. Ultimately, maternal behavior plays a crucial role in shaping an infant's attachment patterns and emotional development.
1 year
Elephants, anything that ends with -ants ...Pleasant
Maternal infections and such illnesses as glandular disorders, rubella, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may cause mental retardation
attachment
Primary attachment
Infants develop trust and attachment primarily through their interactions with caregivers. Consistent and responsive care fosters a sense of security, leading to a healthy attachment style. Conversely, inconsistent or neglectful caregiving can result in mistrust and anxiety. These early experiences shape the child's emotional and social development, influencing relationships later in life.
Katie Allison Granju has written: 'Attachment parenting' -- subject(s): Attachment behavior, Care, Child rearing, Infants, Parent and infant, Parenting
Schaffer and Emerson's study of infants' attachment behaviors showed that babies form attachments with individuals who respond sensitively to their needs. This supports learning theory by highlighting the importance of social interactions and reinforcement in shaping attachment bonds. Infants learn to trust and seek comfort from caregivers who provide consistent and responsive care.
According to Bowlby and Ainsworth, the 3-month period is critical as infants begin to develop social engagement behaviors, which lay the foundation for attachment. By 8 months, infants typically show clear attachment behaviors, such as separation anxiety and preference for primary caregivers, indicating the establishment of a secure or insecure attachment style. The quality of interactions during these periods, including responsiveness and consistency from caregivers, significantly influences the child's attachment security. Thus, experiences in these early months are pivotal for emotional and relational development.