Introduction
Bowlby’s four stages of attachment is a framework that holds that newborns undergo four phases of associations with their primary caregiver namely the pre-attachment, clearly defined attachment, attachment-in-the-making, and reciprocal connections. During the pre-attachment period (first six weeks after birth) is more inclined to explore than form relationships with others (Wilson-Ali et al., 2019). The attachment in the making phase (six weeks and seven months) signifies the onset of a bond. Therefore, the baby begins to express a preference for caregivers. However, these connections are typically weaker compared to those formed in later years. Contrarily, the clear-cut attachment stage (seven months to two years) is characterized by the infant’s connection to the caregiver getting stronger (Zeifman, 2019). At the age of two, the child develops ties with other people through child-directed communication, marking the onset of the stage of the reciprocal relationship. An analysis of these four stages and the shortcomings of Bowlby’s theory forms the basis of this paper.
Discussion
During the pre-attachment stage, the infant will seek closer proximity when they are together with the caregiver. Caregivers can therefore help them by offering their baby ample emotional and physical affection. When a baby is in the attachment-in-the-making stage, they cry more often, especially when left alone. Parents’ support during this stage can entail exposing the baby to simple schedules (Zeifman, 2019). The baby will begin exploring its environment during the phase of reciprocal relationships. Hence, caregivers can provide them with profound physical assistance and emotional affection. Lastly, a child starts developing deeper connections with a wider range of persons throughout the multiple attachments period. To encourage social growth, caregivers can continuously give these children opportunities to fully discover their surroundings.
Conclusion
The most common weakness of Bowlby’s theory is that it is founded on a Western nuclear family paradigm making it impertinent in other societal settings. According to the theory, the mother-child bond is what creates all connections whereas the father only plays a supportive role. However, in contexts where the father is significantly involved in parenthood, this might not be the case. Secondly, it fails to adequately account for how various attachment trajectories emerge (Georganda, 2019). According to the model, there are three main types of bonding: stable, anxious-ambivalent, and nondirective. However, the conjecture does not explain why certain children form supportive relationships whereas others acquire anxious-ambivalent or nondirective traits.
References
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Wilson-Ali, N., Barratt-Pugh, C., & Knaus, M. (2019). Multiple perspectives on attachment theory: Investigating educators’ knowledge and understanding. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 44(3), 215-229.
Zeifman, D. M. (2019). Attachment theory grows up: A developmental approach to pair bonds. Current Opinion in Psychology, 25, 139-143.
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