Molly's Attachment Theory

Several theories have been postulated to understand human development over a life span; while some theorists attributed biological drive as the primary contributor of personality, some attributed social environment as the key component. The third view propagated that it was the interplay of biological instincts and environmental factors that contributed to personality development (Sigelman & Rider; 2012). Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory is one such theory which postulates that universally humans experience eight stages of psychosocial stages or conflicts; successful resolution of these conflicts both through biological maturation and social impact is what enables individuals to progress to the next stage. The unsuccessful resolution of these

Attachment theory has proved to be the most influential model in studying parent-child relationship, as this theory postulates that attachment is significant in shaping one’s interpersonal relationship and their inner world view (Neckoway, Brownlee & Castellan; 2007). Based on this model the responsiveness of the primary care giver, the mother and subsequent attachment formed with the child leads to the formation of the “child’s inner working model”, a mental representation or belief about the ability of the world around them to provide care and comfort; the attachment is secure when the caregiver responds promptly, however the attachment becomes insecure or anxious if the caregiver is less responsive or neglectful (Neckoway, Brownlee & Castellan; 2007). This theory primarily considers the dyadic structure of a mother-child relationship, and is based on raising children to be independent to suit the western ideology of individualism; conceptualisation of this theory based on other collectivist cultures, which encourage inter-dependence in children has not yet been studied and may prove to be inconsistent (Neckoway, Brownlee & Castellan; 2007). Aboriginal culture is based on a system of grouping people within different tribes of their society. Aborigines have complex social and marriage laws based on their grouping and are governed by a complex kinship system where everyone is interrelated (Aboriginal Culture, 2006). The social structures can be best described in terms of physical and religious structuring where physical structuring is based in terms of family, hordes and tribes which denote the number of people in that structure and the religious structure is based on the beliefs, customs, totems and marriage laws (Aboriginal Culture, 2006). Indigenous people also share a symbiotic relationship with nature; and strive to maintain a balance with their environment