Attachment and Early Language Development

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Attachment theory is the joint work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth (Ainsworth & Bowlby, 1991). Drawing on concepts from ethology, cybernetics, information processing, developmental psychology, and psychoanalysis, John Bowlby formulated the basic tenets of the theory. He thereby revolutionized our thinking about a child's tie to the mother and its disruption through separation, deprivation, and bereavement. Mary Ainsworth's innovative methodology not only made it possible to test some of Bowlby's ideas empirically but also helped expand the theory itself and is responsible for some of the new directions it is now taking. Ainsworth contributed the concept of the attachment figure as a secure base from which an infant can explore the world. In addition, she formulated the concept of maternal sensitivity to infant signals and its role in the development of infant-mother attachment patterns (Bretherton, 1985). Bowlby’s major conclusion, grounded in the available empirical evidence, was that to grow up mentally healthy, “the infant and young child should experience a warm, intimate, and continuous relationship with his mother (or permanent mother substitute) in which both find satisfaction and enjoyment” (Bowlby, 1951).

Relationship-based learning evolves from the constructs of attachment theory. In typical early development, the relational experiences between infant and mother (or primary caregiver) have survival meaning and facilitate the infant’s exploration into the world. Within these early experiences, caregivers engage in sensitive, reciprocal, synchronous, and empathic responding to their babies. These ongoing, attuned interactions lead to a secure attachment (Bowlby, 1969, 1988).

Research has shown that positive outcomes ...

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...ademic Press.

Mahoney,G. (1991). Responsive parenting: A relationship model for early intervention. Paper presented at the Gulf States Conference in Early Intervention, Point Clear, AL.

McLeod, S. A. (2008). Mary Ainsworth | Attachment Styles.Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/mary-ainsworth.html

Siegel, D. (1999). The Developing Mind: Toward a Neurobiology of Interpersonal Experience. New York, Guilford Publications.

Tizard, B. & Joseph, A. (1970). Cognitive Development of Young Children in Residential Care: A Study of Children Aged 24 Months. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 11: 177-186.

Wetherby, A. M., Prizant, B.M., & Schuler, A.L. (1997). Enhancing language and communication: Theoretical foundations. In D. Cohen & F. Volkmar (Eds.), Handbook of autism and pervasive developmental disorders (2nd Ed.)

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