Describe Bowlby’s Ethological Theory Of Attachment And Trace

Describe Bowlby’s ethological theory of attachment and trace the development of attachment during the first two years

John Bowlby’s ethological theory of attachment emphasizes the biological basis of the developmental process whereby infants form emotional bonds with their primary caregivers. Drawing on principles from ethology, a scientific study of animal behavior, Bowlby proposed that attachment behaviors have evolved because they enhance the survival of the human species by ensuring proximity to caregivers who provide protection, comfort, and security (Bowlby, 1969/1982). This theory underscores that attachment is an innate biological need that prompts infants to seek closeness to a caregiver, thereby increasing the likelihood of survival and fostering emotional development.

According to Bowlby, attachment develops through a series of innate signals and behaviors that are activated in times of distress or need. These behaviors include crying, smiling, and clinging, which serve to attract the caregiver's attention and elicit caregiving responses (Ainsworth et al., 1978). Over time, these behaviors become increasingly refined, leading to a reciprocal relationship between the infant and caregiver. The development of attachment is influenced by the consistency, sensitivity, and responsiveness of caregiver behaviors, which shape the infant’s internal working models of relationships (Bowlby, 1980).

The formation of attachment begins in the first few months of life. During this early period, infants exhibit reflexive behaviors, such as crying and grasping, that naturally attract caregiver attention. Around six weeks, infants begin to show social smiles and more intentional interactions (Sroufe, 2005). These behaviors facilitate mutual responsiveness; for instance, a caregiver who promptly responds to an infant’s cues helps to reinforce feelings of safety and trust. As infants approach 6-12 months, attachment behaviors become more targeted toward specific caregivers, usually the primary attachment figure, often evidenced by the infant’s distress when separated and their eagerness to seek proximity (Bowlby, 1969/1982).

During the second year, attachment behaviors deepen and expand. Infants begin to develop a cognitive understanding of their attachment figures as dependable sources of comfort. They actively seek out caregivers during distress and explore their environment with confidence, knowing that their caregiver is a secure base (Ainsworth & Bell, 1970). By around 12 months, children typically exhibit clear attachment to specific individuals, demonstrating behaviors like clinging, following, and protest when separated. This period also marks the emergence of separation anxiety, a normal phase indicating the development of an attachment bond (Sroufe, 2005).

Throughout these early years, the quality of the attachment develops based on the caregiver’s sensitivity, consistency, and ability to meet the child’s needs. Secure attachments emerge when caregivers are responsive and nurturing, fostering the child's trust in others and encouraging exploration. Conversely, inconsistent or neglectful caregiving can lead to insecure attachment patterns, which may impact socio-emotional development later in life (Ainsworth et al., 1978). This developmental process underscores the importance of early interactions and the biological basis for emotional bonds that profoundly influence later relationships and psychological health (Bowlby, 1988).

References

• Ainsworth, M. D. S., Bell, S. M., & Stayton, D. J. (1978). Infant-mother attachment and social development: Socialization as a product of reciprocal reinforcement. In J. Kagan & S. T. Searle (Eds.), Contemporary approaches to parent-child relations. Hart Court, London: Routledge.
• Bowlby, J. (1969/1982). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. New York: Basic Books.
• Bowlby, J. (1980). Loss: Sadness and depression. New York: Basic Books.
• Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Parent-child attachment and healthy human development. New York: Basic Books.
• Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal view. Developmental Psychopathology, 17(3), 465-490.