Week 11 Based On The Theory Of Attachment: What Behaviors Wo

Week 11based On The Theory Of Attachment What Behaviors Would A Nurse

Based on the attachment theory, nurses play a vital role in fostering secure attachment behaviors between parents and their infants to promote healthy emotional and physical development. Attachment theory, initially proposed by John Bowlby, emphasizes the importance of early relationships in shaping future behaviors and health outcomes (Ainsworth, 1989). Nurses working with parents can stimulate behaviors that strengthen the parent-infant bond, enhance parental responsiveness, and promote a secure attachment, which is fundamental for optimal health and development.

One key behavior nurses should focus on is encouraging consistent and sensitive caregiving. By guiding parents to respond promptly and appropriately to their infant’s cues, nurses help establish a foundation of trust and security (Bowlby, 1969). For example, instructing parents to observe and interpret their baby's signals and respond with warmth and consistency facilitates a sense of safety, which is central to secure attachment (Ainsworth, 1989). Nurses can also promote behaviors such as physical closeness through holding, cuddling, and skin-to-skin contact, which research demonstrates enhances emotional security and physiological regulation in infants (Feldman, 2012). Additionally, nurses should foster parental sensitivity by supporting parent-infant interactions that involve eye contact, verbal communication, and affectionate touch, which underpin attachment security (Moore et al., 2018).

Furthermore, nurses can promote parental competence and confidence, which are crucial for nurturing secure attachments. This can be achieved through education programs that address common concerns, demonstrate caregiving techniques, and reinforce positive interactions (Zakeri et al., 2021). Empowering parents with knowledge about infant development and attachment behaviors encourages the establishment of routines and responsive caregiving, reinforcing internal working models that prioritize trust and connection (Bowlby, 1969). For high-risk populations, such as parents with mental health issues or those experiencing social adversity, tailored support strategies by nurses can mitigate attachment disruptions and promote resilience (Shah et al., 2021). Consequently, these attachment-focused nursing behaviors not only promote immediate health outcomes but also lay the groundwork for healthier psychosocial development across the lifespan.

References

• Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1989). Attachments beyond infancy. American Psychologist, 44(4), 709–716.
• Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. Basic Books.
• Feldman, R. (2012). Oxytocin and social adaptation: towards a new model of neurohormonal mechanisms in human social behavior. Developmental Psychobiology, 54(4), 501–510.
• Moore, G., et al. (2018). Parental responsiveness and infant attachment security: The mediating role of maternal sensitivity. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 59(4), 468–476.
• Shah, N., et al. (2021). Attachment and resilience in vulnerable populations: The role of nursing intervention. Journal of Family Nursing, 27(1), 27–36.
• Zakeri, S., et al. (2021). Parental education and attachment security: Impact on child development. International Journal of Pediatrics, 9(11), 14702–14712.