Child psychology : What is Attachment?

The attachments we form at their earliest stages of our lives have a marked impact on the people we grow to become. As babies, we form inseparable bonds with those who provide us with the care with need to survive. At its heart, attachment theory is purely a survival mechanism – we remain closest to those who provide us with what we need to survive. Nevertheless, both the formation and maintenance of attachments runs so much deeper than this fundamental survival instinct alone. It is a critically importance concept in the field of child psychology – one that can influence a child’s developmental progress like nothing else.

This exclusive tutorial forms part of a two-part introduction to one of the most important child psychology subtopics. Study a broad definition and explanation of attachment theory, along with maternal depravation hypothesis, evolutionary theory and a full investigation of Bowlby’s Attachment Theory. Explore Harlow’s Studies of Monkeys and Attachments, Spitz’ Studies of Children in Institutions, typical attachments during childhood and more.