Key Features of First Relationships and Their Importance to Infant Development Human infants rely on other people for their survival. It was once believed that someone to provide food and shelter was enough. However, Rutter (1981, cited in Oates, 1994) has shown that this basic requirement will not guarantee that an infant will thrive. Studies of infants raised in orphanages show that physical care, such as warmth and food is not enough and that the relationships an infant has with caregivers is of equal importance in aiding development and survival. Many cultures have differing infant rearing practices however, this need for relationships and well as physical care is universal, whether this care comes from the mother, grandparents or child minders. This essay will first define some of the key features of infants first relationships giving the importance of each of these features in the psychological development of the infants. Then it will show how these features can be linked to some of the theories of child development. One of the main key features of infant – caregiver’s relationships is the early development of interactions. One form of interaction, meshing, is so called because of the way the turn taking action develops into a smooth conversation-like interaction. Meshing is important in social interactions, for a relationship to run smoothly the participant needs to be able to read the other person, knowing when they should listen and when they can speak. Trevarthen (1993, cited in Oakes, 1994) used the term co-regulation to describe this turn taking and synchronisation, which occurs between the infant and caregiver. The... ... middle of paper ... ...epeating of behaviour supports the Behaviourists theory. Piaget’s stages of development is also supported by the way the infant assimilates and accommodates new knowledge. However, the supporting evidence for the Social Constructivists theory is possibly the strongest for these particular key features. Both the early interactions and scaffolding are behaviours, which are repeated many times, with the caregiver giving encouragement to the infant to take a proactive role in the repetition of the behaviour. References: Das Gupta, P. (1994) “Images of Childhood and theories of Development”, in Oates, J. (ed.) The Foundations of Development, Oxford, Blackwell/The Open University Oates, J. (1994) “First Relationships”, in Oates, J. (ed.) The Foundations of Development, Oxford, Blackwell/The Open University
Relationships are the building block for personality and are significant in children’s ability to grow into substantial individuals who can thrive in an often harsh world. Constructing lasting and fulfilling relationships is an integral part to development as the interpersonal bonds forged are not only highly sought after but also set the ground work for all upcoming expressive interactions. Relationships and attachment go hand in hand as attachment is the strong and lasting linkage established between a child and his or her caregiver. Moreover, attachment significantly influences a large capacity of ones make up as it these first relationships that teaches morals, builds self-esteem, and develops a support system. The pioneers of Attachment Theory realized early on that human beings are not solely influenced by drives but that the earliest bonds formed by children with their caregivers greatly impact their ability to forge lasting relationships later in life. John Bowlby was first to introduce this theory to the masses in the 1950’s, and later Mary Ainsworth conducted further research to expand on Bowlby’s theory which proclaims that attachment is a “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings” (Bowlby, 1969, p. 194). The attachment bond theory by both Bowlby and Ainsworth focuses on the significance of the relationship between babies and their caretakers which research has suggested is accountable for influencing impending interactions, firming or injuring our capabilities to concentrate, being aware of our emotional states, self-soothing capabilities, and the capacity to be resilient in the face of hardship. Additionally, this research has provided a framework for assisting in describing these att...
The concept of infant-mother attachment is as important to the child as the birth itself. The effect this relationship has on a child shall affect that child for its entire life. A secure attachment to the mother or a primary caregiver is imperative for a child’s development. Ainsworth’s study shows that a mother is responsive to her infant’s behavioral cues which will develop into a strong infant-mother attachment. This will result in a child who can easily, without stress, be separated from his mother and without any anxiety. Of course the study shows a child with a weak infant-mother relationship will lead to mistrust, anxiety, and will never really be that close with the mother. Without the right help, this child may harbor these ill feelings for life.
(Early infant attachment is an important phenomena to study as it is connected to later child development). Early infant attachment is linked to cognitive, social, and emotional development (Pallini, Baiocco, Schneider, Madigan, & Atkinson, 2014). These three developmental aspects are significant in one’s later mental process capabilities, the relationships formed later in life, as well as their psychological stability. The attachments formed with caregivers in infancy are vital. Bowlby stated, “It is our first relationship, usually with our mother, that much of our future well-being is determined” (O’Gorman, 2012). It’s crucial for a child’s development to look at parenting styles and early infant attachment classifications which are made to caregivers. Most research focuses around mother-infant attachment making little known about the relationships made with fathers.
The mother-infant bond is the familiarity and attachment a mother forms with her offspring. These helpless babies are reliant on their mother’s nurture for survival. This dependence reaches farther than a physiological need. Infants rely on their mothers for a wide variety of demands. The mother-infant bond is critical to maximizing the fitness of each individual, as well as the growth of the species.
The attachment theory, presented by Mary Ainsworth in 1969 and emerged by John Bowlby suggests that the human infant has a need for a relationship with an adult caregiver, and without a subsequent, development can be negatively impacted (Hammonds 2012). Ainsworth proposes that the type of relationship and “attachment” an infant has with the caregiver, can impact the social development of the infant. As stated by Hammonds (2012), attachment between a mother and a child can have a great impact on the child 's future mental
Does early attachment always impact the later relationship? Harry F. Harlow revealed the importance of early secure attachment for healthy affectional development in the macaque monkey experiment. Likewise, Lucy Scott Brown and John Wright reported the significant relationship between early secure attachment experiences and sound adolescent development in their research (15). Yet, Jeong Shin An and Teresa M. Cooney found insecurity and mistrust from the early insecure attachment experiences can be reworked and resolved (411) through altruistic activities and social bonding (418).
Early childhood is considered the most important developmental phase throughout the lifespan. In early childhood, the physical, cognitive, language and psychosocial domains of development are equally important (WHO). For these reasons, the observer would analyze normal growth and development of early childhood using various development theories in this observation paper. For observing the subject’s behaviors and social interaction with others, the observer went to one of Jewish friends’ house to have dinner in Passover holiday, is one of the best known Jewish holidays for seven-days. The house has two floors and grass garden. Almost 30 people attended at the celebration. Most people were family and friends. There were roughly 13 children stayed in the house with their parents. Most of children were 5 to 10-year-olds. For exploring growth and development in early childhood, the observer chose one of girl, is a six-years-olds, whose name is IL. The observer monitored her behavior for 5 hours before and after dinner, was able estimate IL’s age, height, weight, physical appearance, actions, verbalizations, emotions, type of play/activity and interaction with others. First of all, her physical appearances were observed that her height and weight seemed like 120-125cm and 20 kg. She looked like taller and skinner compared to other peers in that house. She did not have two upper front teeth. The observer assumed her level of physical development using by the growth chart. Following the curve in the chart, IL’s rate of growth is normal, and also her height and weight are in balance. Also, gross motor skills were observed during that time. In addition, when she was showing her magic to peers, she pretended as magician. During this time, t...
Attachment theory is the idea that a child needs to form a close relationship with at least one primary caregiver. The theory proved that attachment is necessary to ensure successful social and emotional development in an infant. It is critical for this to occur in the child’s early infant years. However, failed to prove that this nurturing can only be given by a mother (Birns, 1999, p. 13). Many aspects of this theory grew out of psychoanalyst, John Bowlby’s research. There are several other factors that needed to be taken into account before the social worker reached a conclusion; such as issues surrounding poverty, social class and temperament. These factors, as well as an explanation of insecure attachment will be further explored in this paper.
The attachment style that a child endures with their mother initially begins before the child is even born. In the mother’s womb, the infant becomes aware of their mother and father’s voices, where they begin to develop a bond with them and feel nurtured and comforted by the things they hear their parents sing and speak to them. According to Bowlby, the development of attachment takes place in four different phases and are reinforced as they grow older from the Preattachment (birth to age 6 weeks), attachment-in-the-making (age 6 weeks to 8 months), clear cut attachment (between 8 months to 1 ½ years of age) and the reciprocal relationship (from 1 ½ or 2 and on). As the child grows older, then begin to understand their parent’s feelings and motives and are able to organize their efforts and reciprocate the same i...
“Attachment is a deep and enduring emotional bond that connects one person to another across time and space” McLeod (2009), as a core component of social and emotional development, the necessity and role of caregivers is a heavily researched area. Theories differ on the impairment that a crippled or complete lack of attachment causes to an infant in terms of social, emotional or intellectual development. These theories range from Harlow’s unethical work with infant rhesus monkeys to Chisholm’s study of Romanian orphans, the work remains relevant however in order to be aware of how to support or setback the deleterious affects that studies appear to be congruent on occur in infants of abuse or that have been abandoned.
Social interaction plays an important role in people’s life starting from the early childhood as infants interact with their caregivers and build the emotional attachment that is the base for future relationships. By social interaction with others children learn how to communicate, play and behave in particular situation. Berk (2009) proposed the overview of the literature that concentrates upon the early attachment and its importance. Knowing the influence of social interaction on child development in the first few years, the essay is going to elaborate upon the implication of social interaction on the development of cognition. Cognitive development as Lee & Gupta (eds.) claimed is the term that refers to acquisition and development of knowledge and cognition, namely the processes such as memory, language, and problem – solving and drawing. When elaborating upon cognitive development, the three main aspects can be distinguished: the understanding of the objects by children, their ability to imitate caregivers and children’s ability to hold representations of the world (Oates, Wood & Grayson, 2005). All of the aspects play an important role in developing cognition of children and provide the explanation for the understanding of children’s learning influenced by social relationships and practices. In the essay there is going to be an emphasis on the social interaction between children and their caregivers and peer relations. To consider whether social interaction is a fundamental basis for cognitive development of children, there is going to be presented the overview of the literature that concentrates upon it. There are two fundamental theoretical frameworks that touch upon the subjects, namely the work of Piaget (1926) and Vygots...
It discusses how children are born with that needs to connect with individuals around them. Teachers and providers create positive relationship with children from birth through the early years. The foundation for that healthy social and emotional development because it affects her children see the world, express themselves, manages their emotions, in establishing a positive relationship with others. There were several areas of development that included social interactions that focus on the relationship that we share and include relationship with adults and peers. Emotional awareness recognized and understands your feelings and actions of other people, and self-regulation where you have that ability to express your thoughts, feelings, and behavior in a socially appropriate way. There were many tips that were listed when working with infants from talking and reading, having that warm, responsive, and consistent care, maintaining predictable routines, and getting to know each child while following their lead. The importance of supporting children and developing social skills is critical for learning, happiness, and long-term. This development begins during infancy and can be supported through simple social games, emotional role model, and imitating an infant's facial expression and sounds. The importance of social-emotional development and toddlers makes an impact in a child life when these skills are developed starting in infancy. Encouraging positive behaviors and using positive discipline practices that helped to develop the ability to make good choices as well as recognizing the confidence that is built when these behaviors are repeated. This is a process for young children to learn these behaviors always remembering that a patient response will help especially when the behaviors are
A number of studies focused on the mother- infant relationship and the effect of child care on the development of such relationship (Belsky, 1989; Lamb, Sternberg, & Prodromidis, 1992). Attachment theory indicates that a secure relation formation between child and caregiver is important for the child to develop flexible behavioural system and adapt easily to new situations. Bowlby (quoted by Lamb, Sternberg, & Prodromidis) summarised that attachments form around middle of the first year and are strengthened later in the year. It comes as no surprise that studies done by Barglow, Vaughn, & Molitor (1987); Belsky & Rovine (1988); Vaughn, Gove, & Egeland, (1980) , as quoted by Egeland & Heister (1995), reported that entry of infants before 12 months of age to child day care is linked to increased risk of insecure-avoidant attachment. Assessments were based on Ainsworth’s Strange Situation (Ainswoth, Blehar, Water, & Wall, 1978) to measure the infant-mother attachment. While these children might not reject attention from parents, they also did not seek comfort, showing no preference between a parent and a complete stranger.
Likewise caregivers learn to anticipate the needs of the little ones and fulfill the need. The foundation for developing a good network with the parent and child is in the familiarity and exchange process. This exchange builds a parent-infant attachment relationship. This is a vital stage in the development process. In any relationship being needy and having our needs met and attended to provide a sense of security. This is where the psychological phase begins. Infants can identify the difference in a stranger and their caregiver, down to the point of being able to distinguish their primary caregiver from their secondary caregiver. Stranger anxiety helps to develop cognitive development. Although, it can be stressful for the parent this is normal behavior and a healthy part of the development process. Children that maintain a secure attachment relationship from birth set the groundwork for future social connections throughout their
Erikson's first psychosocial crisis occurs during the first year to eighteen months of life. The crisis is one of trust versus mistrust. During this stage the infant is uncertain about the world in which they live. To resolve these feelings of uncertainty the infant looks towards their primary caregiver for stability and consistency of care. If the care the infant receives is consistent, predictable and reliable they will develop a sense of trust which will carry with them to other relati...