After Completing This Activity You Will Be Able To Describe

After Completing This Activity You Will Be Able Todescribebowlbys Et

After completing this activity, you will be able to describe Bowlby's ethological theory of attachment and trace the development of attachment during the first two years in addition to highlighting the genetic and environmental influences of attachment. In a Word doc, compose a 500 word essay describing Bowlby’s ethological theory of attachment and trace the development of attachment during the first two years. Then discuss if attachment is primarily influenced by genes or the environment using research from the text to support your answer.

Paper For Above instruction

The focus of this essay is to provide a comprehensive understanding of John Bowlby’s ethological theory of attachment, the developmental stages of attachment during the first two years of life, and to evaluate whether attachment is primarily influenced by genetic or environmental factors. Bowlby’s theory, rooted in ethology, emphasizes the biological basis of attachment, highlighting the importance of evolutionary survival mechanisms and innate behaviors that promote proximity between infants and caregivers.

Bowlby proposed that attachment behaviors are universal and serve an adaptive function, ensuring that infants remain close to their primary caregivers for protection and survival. These behaviors, such as crying, smiling, and clinging, are biologically programmed and activate attachment responses in caregivers, fostering a strong emotional bond. According to Bowlby, this bond not only provides protection but also supports emotional and social development, forming the foundation for future relationships.

The development of attachment in infants occurs through several distinct stages during the first two years. The first stage, the pre-attachment phase (birth to 6 weeks), is characterized by innate behaviors such as crying and rooting, which attract the caregiver’s attention. During this period, infants have no clear preference for specific caregivers. From 6 weeks to around 8 months, infants begin to develop a preference for familiar people, showing social smile responses and becoming more selective—this is the beginning of true attachment.

Between 8 and 24 months, infants enter the clear-cut attachment stage, where they seek proximity and contact with their primary attachment figures, often shown through distressed behaviors when separated and joy upon reunion. This period marks the strongest formation of attachment bonds. As they approach age two, toddlers start to develop a sense of object permanence, understanding that caregivers continue to exist even when out of sight, which further consolidates their attachment (Ainsworth & Bowlby, 1991). During this phase, attachment behaviors become more sophisticated, including seeking comfort and reassurance, which is vital for emotional security.

Environmental influences, such as responsiveness and caregiving quality, play a crucial role in shaping attachment. Sensitive and consistent caregiving encourages secure attachment, characterized by trust and confidence in the caregiver’s availability. Conversely, inconsistent or neglectful caregiving may lead to insecure attachment styles, such as avoidant or resistant patterns (Ainsworth, 1978).

While genetics provide a biological foundation for attachment behaviors—such as temperament influencing the infant's responsiveness and interactions—the environment largely determines the quality and stability of attachment relationships. Research indicates that sensitive caregiving can mitigate biological predispositions, promoting secure attachment regardless of genetic temperament differences (Sroufe, 2005). These findings suggest that attachment is primarily a product of environmental factors, although genetic predispositions can influence individual differences in attachment behaviors.

In conclusion, Bowlby’s ethological theory emphasizes the biological underpinnings of attachment, which develop through observable behaviors in early infancy. The progression of attachment from birth to two years demonstrates the intricate interplay between innate behaviors and environmental influences. Current research underscores the significant role of environmental factors, such as caregiving quality, in shaping attachment patterns. Therefore, while genetics lay the foundation for attachment behaviors, environmental experiences are paramount in determining the quality and security of attachment relationships, ultimately influencing psychological development across the lifespan.

References

Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Ainsworth, M. D. S., & Bowlby, J. (1991). An ethological approach to personality development. American Psychologist, 46(4), 333–341.

Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal view. Developmental Psychopathology, 17(3), 613–630.

Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Volume 1. Attachment. Basic Books.

Bowlby, J. (1973). Separation: Anxiety and depression. Routledge.

Grossmann, K., & Grossmann, K. E. (2004). The Role of Attachment in Development. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of attachment: Theory, research, and clinical applications (2nd ed., pp. 367–387). Guilford.

Kagan, J., & Snidman, N. (2004). Temperament and attachment. The Guilford Press.

van IJzendoorn, M. H. (1995). Adult attachment representations, parental responsiveness, and infant attachment: A meta-analysis on the predictive validity of the Adult Attachment Interview. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 387–391.

Rothbart, M. K., & Bates, J. E. (2006). Temperament. In N. Eisenberg (Ed.), Handbook of child psychology: Vol. 3. Social, emotional, and personality development (6th ed., pp. 105–176). Wiley.