Tutor: Monica Gracia

Understanding Attachment and Bonding

Welcome and introductionsRecap last sessionOutcomes of the sessionBody of the Session

Session 17

Ground Rules

• Health & Safety• Mobile phones• Attendance• Ethical issues• Respect• Openness

• Relationships• Work, assignments• Communication• Confidentiality• Concerns

AimsBe aware of the importance of Attachment and Bonding for a child’s development

Understand the importance of trusting relationships between a child and their parents and carers

OutcomesHave an awareness of the importance of

attachment and bonding to a child’s overall development including emotional wellbeing

Explore the importance of trusting relationships in early years and throughout life

True or false?

Write on a piece of paper THREE things about the last session. (DEVELOPING SELF-ESTEEM) Two are true and one is not

Taking turns they read out the three ‘facts’ about the last session and the rest of the group votes which are true and false.

Key Messages from Brain Research

The key finding from brain research is that the brain is uniquely constructed to benefit from experiences and from positive care giving during the first years of life. (Once in a Lifetime: French and Murphy, 2005)

By the age three the brain has formed 1,000 trillion connections: about twice as many as adults have

Brain Research continuedThe brain develops earlier than the

rest of the body- 50% of its’ adults weight in the first six months- 75% of its’ adult weight by the age of two and half years- 90% of its’ adult weight by age five years

What do we mean by attachment and Bonding?

Attachment and Bonding

John Bowlby, considered the father of attachment theory, defined attachment as the reciprocal process between two individuals who form an enduring affectual bond. Attachment process is important for a healthy brain development.

Bonding relationship that usually begins at the time of birth between a parent and offspring and that establishes the basis for an on going mutual attachment.

AttachmentJohn Bowlby (His theory)

Children show a marked preference for closeness to a small number of adults and these attachments are a normal and universal part of human development

Babies are born adapted to seek out such attachments not primarily with the aim of being fed and protected but for the feelings of safety and security the attachment brings

The particular attachment between infant and adult is formed as an interaction in which both play a part

Attachment behaviour, that is the actions of the infant to bring about physical closeness with an attachment figure, increases when the infant feels frightened or anxious and decreases when the infant feels safe and secure

As infants mature into adulthood, the need for attachment figures lessens; however attachment behaviour continues across the life cycle and we find ourselves returning to seek comfort from loved ones in time of stress or anxiety

Arousal – relaxation cycle - the parent responds – Fahlberg, 1991

Need

Quiescence Displeasure

Need

TrustSecurity

attachment

What do we mean by positive interactions?

Attachment

Attachment System – The HOWPositive interaction cycle –

how the parent initiates interaction (sensitive and appropriate to child)

The Positive Interaction Cycle - the parent initiates

Self-WorthSelf-Esteem

Parent Initiates Positive Interactions with the Child

Attachment – why is it important?Attachment helps a child…Attain full intellectual potentialSort out what he/she perceivesThink logicallyDevelop a conscienceBecome self reliantCope with stress and frustrationHandle fear and worryDevelop future relationshipsFeel less jealousy

Lack of attachment hinders a child in …

Conscience developmentImpulse controlSelf esteemInterpersonal interactionsEmotionsUnderstanding cause and effectGeneral behaviourGross and fine motor controlPersonal and social developmentConsistent development of different skills

Attachment

Attachment develops in three distinct phases0 – 2 months: The pre-attachment stage

occurs. Attention seeking behaviour is indiscriminate

3 – 6 months: Attachments begin to form; the child is able to show preference for particular adults

7months – 3 years: A child will actively seek the proximity of one attachment figure. By this time they will already have formed an opinion of the reliability and availability of this person

AttachmentFour patterns

1. Secure attachment2. Ambivalent/resistant

attachment3. Avoidant attachment4. Disorganised attachment

Secure

Child uses his caregiver as a secure base from which he can explore his world. Misses him/her but is easily soothed on reunion

AttachmentAmbivalent or Resistant –Child is either excessively fretful or passive or fails to explore surroundings

Child is distressed at separation and on reunion is not comforted, alternating between angry rejection and passivity

Caregiver : Inconsistent responses, sometimes needs are met, sometimes not.

AttachmentAvoidant –Child explores readilyChild is minimally responsive to separation, - ‘no trouble’ – actively avoiding the caregiver on reunion, sometimes arching away and seeking comfort in toys. May have difficulties forming relationships, can be aggressive.

Caregiver: rejecting, aggressive, ignoring, overly intrusive

AttachementDisorganisedChild lacks any coherent style of response to separation or reunion

Child shows contradictory behaviours including fear, depression, confusion

‘No adult attachment figure has ever been trustworthy’ – often abusive – child needs to rely on self.

What I learnt todaywww – what went wellWhat didn’t go well and why – challengesHow do I deal with this? - ApproachWhat do I need to do to improve? How?

Reflect:

Q&A

pharvati@gmail.com