John Bowlby's Stages Of Development

One of the theories used to explain how personality develops in stages is the theory of John Bowlby. Bowlby suggested that attachment progressed into 4 stages. One stage 1 pre-attachment (birth to 6 weeks), infants have not develop attachments. A reason why this happens according to Bowlby is because infants at this age have not yet developed their visual discrimination; essential for identifying their primary caregivers. Babies at this stage do not mind being left with other unfamiliar adults, (Davis & Palladino, 2004; Bowlby, 1988).On stage 2, principles of attachment (from 6 to about 7 months), infants start creating awareness of familiar adults, but do not complaint when separated from their caregivers. During stage 3, attachment (from 7 to about 21 months), the attachment to the primary caregiver is evident. Infants at this point show distress when this caregiver leaves, creating the baby much anxiety. It is presumed that this stage starts at 6 months of age and increases as time pass until the 15 month. This has been seen in cultures around the world. Finally, on stage 4, reciprocal relations (from approximately 21 months), the child understands that the caregiver will return when it leaves. Language seems to play a big role at this stage and helps to decrease the anxiety that the child used to feel before, (Davis & Palladino, 2004).
According to Bowlby, the relationship and attachment during adolescence is significant to personality development, (Bowlby,