attachment theory

[Ohme1kanoby]

Hi all this is my first time posting.. this is my assessment on attachment for tafe cert3. Im not sure what im doing struggling with this one as i got a resubmit.. pls help






There is strong evidence that positive and negative environments have a great influence on an infant’s psychological and emotional development. Infant’s experiences from 0-3 years impact behaviour through out one’s life.

Throughout one’s life a person’s brain is maturing, but starts out at birth incomplete.

The essential role of the brain is to mature; trillions of neurons connect (synapses) to create pathways (wiring) to other neurons, which create neural networks. The networks that establish effective connections are more likely to survive; just as the ones that are not used, die (pruning). 2


As the neural networks grow so does the brain. This is dependant on experiences in ones environment; both positive and negative in nature have implications on one’s development. 3

• Positive environment = warm responding respectful behaviours = brain development = attachment
• Negative environment = inconsistent care= cold behaviour = not trustworthy = cortisol build up = toxic stress = failure to thrive = undeveloped=unattached

Consistent care from a mother creates trust and therefore builds a strong attachment. A baby who is responded to promptly will likely become secure and responsive to others. This is done by:

• Touch; an early form of communication -stroking, patting, massage, cuddles
• Eye contact; showing your affections
• Speaking; singing, imitate sounds, cooing (verbal stimulations helps brain development
• Responding to baby’s cues; feeding, nappy change, soothing

Consistent care > Warm respectful relationships > children’s needs are met > Builds trusting relationships > Provides secure base (circle of security) > Brain development > Interdependence > self regulation 4

Characteristics of a secure attachment

A secure attached child is characterized by the ability to use his her parent or ‘key person’ as a source of comfort and a ‘secure base’ from which to explore. A key principle of attachment theory is that dependence leads to independence in other words it is only when a child feels confident in his/her parents availability that he/she can fully explore and play on his own 5

Circle of security is a guide that helps parents and carers to respond to the emotional needs of the child. The parent acts as a secure base for the child to return to after exploring the world.

Adults are there to help them understand their emotions. Acknowledging the children’s emotions shows the child that the parent is emotionally available. When the parent is emotionally available the child will learn emotional resilience. Thus adds to the building blocks of a secure attachment.

By verbalizing what their emotions are it shows them that we see them, Being with their emotion. Being with the children’s feelings helps them feel less overwhelmed and secure, (you are here for them). 6


As an educator in a childcare center it is important to create strong secure relationships. The educator (primary carer) will be able to pick up on cues from the child to support and comfort the child. This will build children’s independence by providing secure, responsive base from which to explore and gain confidence.

Early Years Learning Framework

Outcome 1. Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships:
• Build secure attachments with one and then more familiar educators
• Use effective routines to help make predicted transitions smoothly
• Sense and respond to a feeling of belonging
• Communicate their needs for comfort and assistance
• Establish and maintain respectful, trusting relationships with other children and educators.
• Confidently explore and engage with social and physical environments through relationship and play
• Initiate and join in play


Referencing

Brag, J 2016, ’Emotional wellbeing. JB1.PDF’, cluster 3 week 2 slide 7, Regency Tafe, 12 October.


2 Brag, J 2016, ’Emotional wellbeing. JB1.PDF’, cluster 3 week 2 slide 9, Regency Tafe, 12 October.

3 Stiles, J & Jernigan TL, 2010 ‘The basics of human development’,
Neuropsychology Review, PMC2989000, Viewed 13 October.

4 Malekpour M, 2007, ‘Effects of attachment on early and later development’, The British journal of Developmental Disabilities, vol. 53, Part 2, July 2007, no. 105, pp, 81-95, viewed 13 October.


5 Brag, J 2016, ’Emotional wellbeing. JB1.PDF’, cluster 3 week 2 slide 32, Regency Tafe, 12 October.

6 Animations, Circle of Security, 2016. Animations, Circle of Security. Online: http://circleofsecurity.net/animations, Viewed 14 October 2016

The circle of security network, About the circle of security, 2016. The circle of security network, ‘About the circle of security’
http://circleofsecuritynetwork.org/the_ ... urity.html Viewed 14 October 2016