Abstract This paper discusses the writer's development according to John Bowlby's attachment theory of child development from 1958. It describes the writer's early life and his relationship with various members of his family. It then looks at his developing life during middle childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Finally, the paper presents a self-analysis of the writer's development.
Table of Contents:
Family Background
Early Years
Middle Childhood and Adolescence
Adulthood
Developmental Assets
Self-Analysis
From the Paper "In retrospect, it is unusual for me to look over my life story through the present analysis and evaluate myself and my own behaviors. It was interesting for me to relive the moments that have defined my evolution and the arrangement of my family hierarchy. It was certainly in some ways difficult to recall events in an objective manner, as the memory of early youth may be tainted by emotions. There is also the fact that, as a child, I was not able to observe the family dynamics in the same way that an adult might - important events were no doubt shielded from me by my parents and older siblings. However, this phenomenon is universal to children in general. We are all subject to good and bad childhood events, and are made blind to such happenings at the same time. At the same time we all as adults recall past events in the haze of a positive or negative memory - particularly memories of adolescence, which is universally a trying stage of one's life."
Abstract This paper examines the theory of attachment, an idea the author describes as introducing new meanings to human relationship. The proposition that, to thrive emotionally, children need a close and continuous care-giving relationship required theoretical explanation. The author further analyzes Bowlby's approach to the concept of attachment. Although never satisfied with the theory of dependence, which focused on human relations progressing through fulfillment of basic needs, his methodical research manifested the theory of attachment, which highlighted the importance of care-giving and care-taking responses more than primary needs of hunger and sex.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Bowlby's Theory of Attachment
Animal Behavior Studies
Bowlby's Analysis of Animal Studies.
Extension of Bowlby's Attachment Theory
Conclusions
From the Paper "According to attachment theory, attachment is not just an outcome of the need to satisfy various drives, like Sigmund Freud thought. For example, children are not just attached to their parents because they provide food; their attachment also involves behavior that is independent of their direct needs. Attachment theory assumes that humans are social beings; they do not just use other people to satisfy their drives. In this way, attachment theory is similar to object relations' theory (Grohol, 2005)."
Abstract This paper discusses the theories of attachment of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. It first discusses the origins of the theories and modern moves towards practical treatment of attachment difficulties (such as separation anxiety) in adults. The paper also discusses mother-child relations in a modern environment and whether Bowlby's theories still valid.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Attachment Theories
Conclusion
From the Paper "Bowlby's theories still have relevance in the treatment of adults, and may be important in those adults with anxiety-depression, one of the most serious of the depressive disorders, and one which frequently has a less positive outcome than that of depression alone. Treating an adult through applications of Attachment theory may, therefore, provide a beneficial therapy to those adults."
"Bowlby's theories have been taken up by many theorists in the United States, and their work in this field continues to advance our knowledge of the development of the mind, and a child's relationship to the world around it."
Tags: separation anxiety, society development security
Abstract This paper examines the theory put forth by John Bowlby on the four stages of attachment. It examines the development of attachment between mother and child and the caregiver relationship. It also deals with coping with separation and separation anxiety.
From the Paper "With his identification of the four stages of attachment, John Bowlby (1969) was instrumental in illuminating the changes in the development of attachment between mother and child. During the first phase of indiscriminate sociability, infants interact ..."
Abstract An extreme contrast can be observed between the bereaved Peter at the beginning of the film, "Finding Neverland", as opposed to the Peter who once again suffers loss at the end. The pattern of Peter's relationships conforms perfectly to John Bowlby's concepts of attachment, separation and loss. This paper analyzes the relationships of the main character, Peter, in the film "Finding Neverland", a story loosely based on the real life story of J.M. Barrie, the author of "Peter Pan". The analyses are based on John Bolwby's theories of attachment, separation, and loss.
Abstract The paper discusses how consistent and predictable care is essential to the social and emotional development of a child. The paper looks at J. Bowlby's theory of attachment, the research of Mary Ainsworth, and Erik Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development of personality. The paper attempts to demonstrate the ways in which early relationships can influence self-identity and how the environment plays an important part in this process.
Outline:
Introduction
Building Fully-Developed Human Beings
Conclusion
From the Paper "Research has shown that it is during the first few years of a child's life that cognitive capabilities, relational understanding, language, motor skills and emotional regulation are all developed and enhanced, and that each of these element acts as an important influencing factor in character formation and development. In fact, these first experiences, according to many professionals, are significant building blocks that form the foundation from which springs all future individual development (Barnes P., Personal, Social and Emotional Development, 1992)."
Abstract The paper examines Bowlby's attachment theory and looks at the three periods of the development of the ideology of this theory. The paper then explores studies on adult attachment patterns and how they reflect infant-parent relationships. The paper concludes with a perspective against the ideology of the attachment theory.
Outline:
Introduction
History of Attachment Theory
Ideology of Attachment Theory
Practice Application of Attachment Theory
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Attachment theory historically focused on the attachment between a child and its mother however, findings in Tuovila's work states that the attachment relationship between the child and father is one of great importance as well as the attachment relationship between child and mother. The work of Jessica L. Borealli and Daryn H. David (2004) entitled: "Imagination, Cognition and Personality" published in the Baywood Scholarly and Scientific Content journal examines the theory and research and their links on the relationships of attachment theory as well as structural cognition which is inclusive of "schemas and internal working models; aspects of the client-therapist relationship; and psychotherapeutic intervention models arguing that attachment theory can be employed to more fully understand psychotherapeutic processes and change." (Borelli and David, 2004)"
Abstract This paper explores and analyses the possibility of children making multiple secure attachments to people that may not be part of their immediate family. One of the vital aspects of this discussion is a critical evaluation of Ainsworth's 'Strange Situation' and how this is disputed by Tizard (1991). Another important aspect is transition from home into nursery and the importance of effective key workers relating to the author's extended school experience. Yet another feature examined is the result of insecure attachments and attachment disorders and the implications these disorders have within the nursery or school setting. The main theorists that are analysed are Ainsworth (1978) and Bowlby (1982).
From the Paper "Belsky and Nezworski (1988) describes anxious attachment as children "who have been able to form a focused relationship with a discriminated and preferred partner whose attachments show an unusual amount of conflict regarding the perceived physical and emotional availability of the attachment figure". This can occur in situations where abuse is transpiring, where the child is attached to what the child would see as a secure base but the feelings are not reciprocated and the adult feelings are not accessible to the child. The implications of this sort of attachment can severely impact on the child's life within a nursery setting. The child may become extremely clingy to a key worker and refuse to be left alone because they are "still hoping for love and care" Bowlby (1980) as cited in Cassidy and Shaver (1999). "
Abstract The paper discusses John Bowlby's attachment theory that suggests that the first attachment relationships which children form can affect their mental health for the rest of their lives, and that insecure attachments can be associated with anxiety, and lack of secure relationships in adult life. The paper provides a brief literature review and summarizes the main ideas of attachment theory. The paper concludes by pointing out that Bowlby's theories concentrate upon the mother as primary caregiver, but today this is not necessarily the case.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Results
Conclusions
From the Paper "Attachment theory is the theory of infant bonding, usually seen as that of bonding with the mother. Bowlby, who was educated as a psychoanalyst, and certainly regarded himself as one for the rest of his life ("Bowlby always considered himself a psychoanalyst and believed that his work was in keeping with the best psychoanalytic tradition" (Cortina and Marrone, 2003)) proposed this theory in a number of papers presented in London, and this received a lot of opposition from psychoanalysts of the time, especially as it seemed to diverge significantly from psychoanalysis, and instead was seen as a more behavioral model of child development (Cortina and Marrone, 2003). He himself confessed that the idea was unpalatable for him at first, but eventually he found that the evidence supported his theories, and he felt able to present them (Cortina and Marrone, 2003)."
Abstract This paper examines the changing relationships between parents, children and the professionals involved in child development through the education system in the UK and England in particular. The paper includes an overview of theories of child development, current policy and interviews with a head teacher, an LEA officer and a mother who home-schooled.
From the Paper "Education policy through the 20th century and into the 21st has been influenced by figures including Freud, John Bowlby, Jean Piaget and BF Skinner to name but a few. In the post-war era, John Bowlby focused on the bond between children and their mothers as the prime relationship influencing healthy development. Bowlby's views were highly regarded in his time - a 1951 World Health Organisation (WHO) committee described him as a "wise man" for example, and based on his research said that placing children in day care could lead to "permanent damage to the emotional health of the future generation" through separation from their mothers (cited in Davenport, 1994). Bowlby's work could also be seen as having an influence on social policy, since the 1940s saw the provision of welfare benefits for instance to encourage mothers to stay at home with their children."
Abstract Discusses Bowlby's theory of attachment behavior, including the premise that a year-old child has attachment behavior designed to bind the infant and mother. Describes the child's interaction with mother and the observer.
From the Paper "This paper will present an observation of a young child, age twenty months. Details regarding the child's behavior, affect, mood, and relations to others, including interactions with the mothering figure are ..."
Abstract This paper considers the role childhood attachment plays in adult romantic love. Current studies on the influence of childhood attachment styles on adult attachment are reviewed and both contextual and cultural issues are discussed. It shows how findings suggest that there is a continuity of attachment style from infancy to adulthood, although adult attachment styles can be influenced by a number of factors.
From the Paper "A work that "revolutionized the study of adult romantic love" (Ridge and Feeney 1998 p848) was Hazan and Shavers (1987) study. This research was based on Bowlby's work and set out to examine the possibility that affectional bonds between adults are formed much the same way as those that bond human infants and their parents. They explore the notion that three major attachment styles in adults are based on Ainsworths mental models of self and social life mentioned above which are determined in infancy in part by relationships with parents. Therefore, they say a person's attachment style is set in childhood and that adult loving relationships vary according to the attachment histories of those involved. (Hazan & Shaver, p511)."
Abstract This research paper presents evidence that corroborates the author's claim that infancy is the most critical life cycle developmental phase. The paper discusses the window for the formation of healthy attachment relationships. The paper references the works of Bowlby, Ainsworth, Erikson and others to help support this claim.
From the Paper "The human life cycle model provides a significant tool for understanding of both the vulnerabilities and the potentialities for development in adults, children and infants. Human development during infancy is not a uniform..."
Tags: development, human behavior, anxious, avoidant, secure, dismissing, parenting, caregivers, Freud, love relationships, psychology
Abstract The paper offers responses to four set questions, the first on Attachment theory and its implications, the second on infant studies involving visual attention and another on memory, en route to a fourth topic involving some of the foregoing. This last question discusses the digital age and its effects on child development, in educational settings and in terms of the impact of violent video games.
From the Paper "Psychoanalysts had assumed that the child's first human relationship was close to the foundation of the personality. In the first year of life, almost all infants have a strong tie to a mother-figure. (Bowlby: 1969:177) Bowlby and others given to the attachment theory worked with post-World War II generations in developed Western countries. They saw what happened in nature and could link attachment models to the young animal's need to attach to the mother in order to keep up with the herd."
Abstract This paper offers a broad overview of what has been read in a psychology course focusing upon childhood development. The paper specifically notes the persistent confusion among academics with regard to the phenomenology of childhood psychopathology. It also reviews Bowlby's four phase developmental model in the maturation of the mother-child relationship.
From the Paper "We have been fortunate during the course of our studies this year to have read a number of excellent materials relating to early childhood development. The following paper will summarize what I have read and what I have gleaned from our course readings. Most of all, what I hope the reader will take away from the following pr?is of our course work is a recognition that academics agree on many things in the area of childhood development, however much they may disagree about the particulars. Beyond that, my interpretation of our course material leaves me with the distinct impression that much of what we are is not shaped by our genetic predispositions but by our external environment. While it is wrong to take the view that human children are "blank slates" upon which can be written anything ..."
