Bowlbys Ethological Theory
Bowlby’s Ethological Theory:
Development of Attachment Phases
Krystle Garcia
Excelsior College
This paper was prepared for Lifespan Development Psychology taught by Doctor Peggy Lauria.
Abstract
John Bowlby was a psychoanalyst who believed that mental health and behavior problems could be attributed to early childhood. This paper goes over Bowlby’s development of attachment during the first 2 years of life. This paper will be discussing the four phases of attachment which are: Pre-attachment phase, Attachment-in-the-making phase, Clear-cut attachment phase and Formation of a reciprocal relationship phase. This paper will also be going over the different views of which attachment is influenced by, which are: Genes and Environment.
Keywords: attachment, development, phase.
Bowlby’s Ethological Theory: Development of Attachment Phases Today, Bowlby’s theory of attachment has been the most widely accepted view when it comes to childhood development. This theory recognizes the infant’s emotional tie to the caregiver as an evolved response that promotes survival. Bowlby believed that an infant, as in many other species as well, is endowed with a set of built in behaviors that help to keep the parent nearby. By doing this, the infant feels protected from danger. Also, having the parent nearby provides support to the infant for exploring and mastering the environment. According to Bowlby, the infant’s relationship with the parents begins as a set of innate signals that call the adult the baby’s side. Over time, a true affectionate bond forms. Bowlby believed that attachment develops in four phases. Out of the experience during the four phases, children construct an enduring affectionate tie to the caregiver that they can use as a secure base in the event that the parents are not around them.
Pre-Attachment Phase
In the pre-attachment phase, babies are studied
Development of Attachment Phases
Krystle Garcia
Excelsior College
This paper was prepared for Lifespan Development Psychology taught by Doctor Peggy Lauria.
Abstract
John Bowlby was a psychoanalyst who believed that mental health and behavior problems could be attributed to early childhood. This paper goes over Bowlby’s development of attachment during the first 2 years of life. This paper will be discussing the four phases of attachment which are: Pre-attachment phase, Attachment-in-the-making phase, Clear-cut attachment phase and Formation of a reciprocal relationship phase. This paper will also be going over the different views of which attachment is influenced by, which are: Genes and Environment.
Keywords: attachment, development, phase.
Bowlby’s Ethological Theory: Development of Attachment Phases Today, Bowlby’s theory of attachment has been the most widely accepted view when it comes to childhood development. This theory recognizes the infant’s emotional tie to the caregiver as an evolved response that promotes survival. Bowlby believed that an infant, as in many other species as well, is endowed with a set of built in behaviors that help to keep the parent nearby. By doing this, the infant feels protected from danger. Also, having the parent nearby provides support to the infant for exploring and mastering the environment. According to Bowlby, the infant’s relationship with the parents begins as a set of innate signals that call the adult the baby’s side. Over time, a true affectionate bond forms. Bowlby believed that attachment develops in four phases. Out of the experience during the four phases, children construct an enduring affectionate tie to the caregiver that they can use as a secure base in the event that the parents are not around them.
Pre-Attachment Phase
In the pre-attachment phase, babies are studied