Bowlby described attachment as the emotional bond between an infant and the primary care giver from birth to two years, also known as the critical stage. He believed that the attachment established at this time would influence the development …show more content…
Secure attachment can be positively reinforced when the primary caregiver actively responds to the infant’s behaviour. A study by Grossman and Grossman (1991) found that children who had securely attached relationships with their mother figure were able to form and enjoy close friendships throughout life. They found those who were brought up in insecure relationships were avoidant and had little or no friends later in life. Children who experience a secure attachment during childhood are more independent and enjoy exploring their surroundings, consequently developing a greater self-esteem Scroufe, et al. The attachment that a child experiences during childhood has been said to affect their social life. For example, children who are brought up in secure environments will be more likely to develop friendships and feel less lonely than insecure children Kerns, Klepac & Cole (1996). Theorist Hoffman (1997) found that children who have experienced secure attachment will develop the ability to be more academic than those from insecure backgrounds. Therefore, it is apparent that secure attachment positively influences the physical, psychological and behavioural development of a child, while continuing to reflect in adulthood and the next