1. Attachment and Emotional Development in Infancy
The purpose of this discussion is to consider the stages of attachment from birth to one year, and emotional development and psychosocial crisis in infancy.
• Briefly discuss attachment patterns and what you see as the most significant impact on the development of attachment.
• Describe strategies that caretakers can implement to promote the child’s ability to regulate emotions as he or she develops.
Remember to appropriately cite any resources, including the textbook, that you use to support your thinking in your initial post.
2. Response Guidelines
Read the initial posts of your peers and respond substantively to at least one learner whose post resonates with you. In your response, provide additional support regarding the influence of knowledge of developmental stages on serving that population.
COLLAPSE
Attachment is crucial part of all individuals’ lives. It is a condition where individuals have interpersonal relationships. According to Newman and Newman (2018), “attachment is the process through which people develop specific, positive emotional bonds with others” (p. 151). When it comes to attachment, there are four different patters. The attachment can be secure, avoidant, resistant, or disorganized. A secure attachment is when a child is distressed with the mother leaves, avoids strangers when alone with them, and is happy when the mother returns. An avoidant attachment is when the child feels no stress he the mother leaves, is okay with strangers and actually may play with them, and has little interest when the mother returns. A resistant attachment is when the child is extremely distressed when the mother leaves, avoids strangers and shows fear of them, but then resists contact when the mother returns. A disorganized attachment is chaotic, fearful, and unpredictable. Since attachment is so particular, it is very rare. I think the things that impact attachment the most are parenting styles, consistency, responsiveness, sensitivity, closeness, and acceptance.
As a child’s ability to regulate emotions increases through development, a caretaker can do many things to promote growth. When the child is an infant, the caretaker can maintain eye contact while smiling, cuddle and hold the infant, respond to the child’s cry, allow them to grasp your finger, and vocalize different pitches. These actions will help the child regulate their emotions because they will feel like their needs are more satisfied and that they are safe. This will also help them maintain closeness and feel less stressed. As they get older, the caretaker can give them more freedom and allow them to experiment. When doing this, the caretaker can help them regulate their emotions by being close enough to reestablish connections and respond when needed. A caretaker can continue to cuddle with the child when appropriate, read them stories, invite them to help with tasks, etc. By allowing them to do life with the caregiver, this will help regulate their emotions by allowing “physical contact, reassurance, closeness, and love” (Newman and Newman, 2018, p. 153).
Newman, B. M., & Newman, P. R. (2018). Development through life: A psychosocial approach (13th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.
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