bowlbys attachment theory

Ethology was first applied to research on children in the 1960s. It has become more influential in recent years and is concerned with the adaptive, or survival, value of behavior and its evolutionary history (Hinde, 1989). The origins of ethology can be traced to the work of Darwin. Its modern foundations were founded by two European zoologists, Lorenz and Tinbergen (Dewsbury, 1992). Watching the behaviors of animal species in their natural habitats, Lorenz and Tinbergen observed behavioral patterns that promote survival. The most well known of these is imprinting, the early following behavior of certain baby birds that ensures that the young will stay close to the mother, and be fed, and protected from danger. Observations by ethologists have shown that several aspects of children 's social behavior, including emotional expressions, cooperation, and social play, resemble those of our primate ancestors. According to the ethological view, babies are biologically prepared to contribute actively to establish a bond with their caregivers, which promotes the chances for their individual genes to survive. Since ethologists believe that children 's behaviors can be best understood in terms of their adaptive value, they seek a full understanding of the entire organism-environment system, including physical, social, and cultural aspects (Hinde,1989). Although ethology emphasizes the genetic and biological roots of development, learning is also considered important because it lends flexibility and adaptiveness to behavior.
Attachment is the strong emotional bond which develops between the infant and caregiver, it provides the infant with emotional security. It is said that by the second half of the first year, infants will have become attached to familiar people who have responded to their need for physical care and stimulation. How this attachment develops has been a topic of intense theoretical debate. There are many theories that try to explain attachment, but