Introduction to Social and Developmental Psychology

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY Student’s Name Course Professor’s Name University City (State) Date Word Count: 2203 Introduction to Social and Developmental Psychology 1.0. Introduction The attachment theory provides the basis of the relationship between two people, their interpersonal relations, which determine the whole mental and psychological structure of a person: a person’s attitude to himself, to the world, various experiences, and cognitive and creative abilities. Since the first connections with another person arise in early childhood, so this theory primarily associates with childhood attachment perspectives. J. Bowlby was the founder of the Theory of Attachment while Ainsworth was his follower. J. Bowlby emphasized that the attachment system has its own intrinsic motivation, which includes two opposing trends: the desire for the new, the danger and the search for support and protection. He believed that the attachment system is activated when confronted with a dangerous and unknown and does not work in the usual safe environment. Accordingly, the greater the danger, the higher the need for contact with the mother and her protection, and in the absence of danger, physical separation from the object of attachment is possible. On the other hand, M. Ainsworth emphasizes that the sensitivity and support of the mother are expressed not only in love for the child and in caring for him, but also in respect for his independence and impulsiveness. The need for the individual as well as independent activity is initially one of the main needs of the child, and its satisfaction depends on the sensitivity and flexibility of the mother. 1.1. Research Question Compare and contrast Bowlby’s and Ainsworth’s views on the development of attachment. 2.0. Discussion Similarities between Bowlby’s and Ainsworth’s Theories Interpersonal relationships and attachment are the basis of socialization and intellectual development, they connect a person or child with other people and thus allow to isolate one’s self and develop personality and form an identity. The founders of the attachment theory were J. Bowlby and M. Ainsworth. Considering attachment theory, it should be noted that it arose at the intersection of the psychoanalytic and ethological approach. A major similarity between both theories is the aspects of the relationship between child and mother. According to them, mainly with the mother is central. It is the experience of relations with the mother in the first year of life that gives rise to attachment to her, which in many respects determines the further course of the child’s mental and personal development. However, the child's attachment is not defined as a desire for pleasure, for example, food, but primarily as the need for protection and safety. Moreover, both J. Bowlby and M. Ainsworth focused on the notion that the primary attachment occurs in the second half of the first year of life. Although from the first weeks the infant reacts to the effects of the mother, these reactions are fragmented, scattered and situational (Bowlby 2018).  This is confirmed by the fact that children up to 6 months easily adapt to new adults and to new conditions of life during adoption. After 7 mont...