Discussion

 

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read

• Chapter 5 in the textbook;
• Overnight Custody Arrangements, Attachment, and Adjustment Among Very Young ChildrenLinks to an external site.; and
• watch the segment Elements of Attachment Theory in Links to an external site.John Bowlby: Attachment Theory Across GenerationsLinks to an external site. and Patterns of Attachment and the Strange Situation: Results in Mary Ainsworth: Attachment and the Growth of LoveLinks to an external site..

Research has shown that early attachment can have far-reaching effects on development. The works of Bowlby and Ainsworth have illustrated the importance of early experiences with caregivers to healthy development. Your original post must be a minimum of 400 words and cite the five required sources listed above. In this discussion, address the following:

• In your own words briefly describe the four stages of attachment identified by Bowlby and the four types of attachment identified by Ainsworth.
• Analyze how attachment experiences might affect the psychosocial and cognitive development of children and adolescents. What are the possible long-term effects of poor attachment experiences in each of these developmental domains?
• How do positive attachment experiences promote healthy development?
• What role does culture play in the attachment process?
• Can Western ideas about attachment theory be universally applied? Why or why not?