1. John Bowlby Attachment Theory

2. “If a community values its children It must cherish their parents.”
John Bowlby

3. Edward John Mostyn Bowlby
February 26, September 2, 1990
British psychologist and psychoanalyst
Influenced by Sigmund Freud
One of the pioneers of child development
Developer of Attachment theory
In the 20th century Bowlby was rated the top psychologist
“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.” (Milite, 2001)

4. Attachment Theory Children are born instinctively to attach to others
Attachment relationships act as a prototype for future relationships
Disruptions can have severe consequences
0-5 years old is important to have an attachment to a caregiver or can cause irreversible developmental consequences
Reduced intelligence and increased aggression with avoidant type of attachment
(McLeod, 2009)

5. Attachment Styles Secure attachment Avoidant attachment
Resistant attachment
Disorganized/ disoriented
attachment
(Balan, 2013)

6. Four Stages of Secure Attachment
Pre-attachment phase(birth - 6 weeks)
Attachment in the making (6 weeks - 8 months)
Clear cut attachment phase(8 months - 2 years)
Formation of reciprocal relationship(2 years - and on)
(Health & Medicine, Technology, 2013)

7. Strengths
Weaknesses
Difficult to prove
Mainly focuses on the mother’s impact
Focuses only on one primary caregiver instead of multiple care providersers
Significance of a solid relationship with parent/guardian
Main explanation of attachment
Easy to understand
Explains why some children have mental health disorders

8. Connection to Adolescence
Parents continue to be a significant part of adolescent years
Healthy relationships with parents helps adolescents develop social and coping skills.
Less risk of behavioural problems, mental disorders
Healthy development (Paediatric Child Health. 2004)

9. Harlow's Monkey Experiment
Orphan monkeys always chose “tactile comfort” over necessities such as food
Baby monkeys showed anxiety when separated from cloth
Monkeys who grew up without real relationships showed signs later on
(McLeod, 2009)

10. Theory and Society
Peer relationships lack the intensity as early childhood attachment relationships
Adolescents rely less on main attachment figures, peers become the base of providing support
Secure attachments as adolescents are better prepared to work through challenges
Anxious adolescents are prone to risky sexual behaviors and crave closeness
Avoidant adolescents may shun or look for casual or exploitative encounters
(Allen, & Miga, 2010)

11. Discussion Questions
Which of John Bowlby’s four stages of attachment seems most important? Why?
How are Erikson and Bowlby’s theories similar?
Which Theory do you prefer, John Bowlby’s or Erik Erikson’s and why?

12. The Blind Side https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I24d30buecw

13. Sources
Milite, George A.. "Bowlby, John." Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology Retrieved November 05, 2015 from Encyclopedia.com: html
McLeod, S. A. (2009). Attachment Theory. Retrieved from
Balan, P. (2013). Bowlby's theory of attachment. Retrieved November 16, 2015, from
Allen, J., & Miga, E. (2010). Attachment in adolescence: A move to the level of emotion regulation. Retrieved from Journal of Social and Personal Relationships