Attachment in the Emotional Development of an Infant - Essay Example

Attachment 2Attachment is the strong connection that normally develops between an infant and his principal caretaker, usually the mother. According to studies, the most crucial stage of the development of attachment is in the first few months after birth. Although it does not securely develop until about 2 years old, it is still the most critical stage of the attachment process. A child’s psychological, social and emotional development is formed through the foundation of his initial attachment.

Thus, the process should not be disrupted during its crucial stages or the child will have a high tendency of becoming detached or incapable of building relationships based on trust. Prolonged separation from the principal caretaker, even after the age of two, can result to negative long-term effects on the child’s emotional health and his ability of establishing trust in relationships. If the principal caretaker is neglectful, unresponsive or abusive, the attachment process can be disrupted.

Separation, for one, can also affect the disturbance of the attachment process especially if prolonged or done repeatedly. If the principal caretaker is not able to establish a strong emotional attachment with the infant, within the first two years, with the first year being the most crucial part, then he/she is not likely to have strong and lasting relationships or maintain close relationships such as friendship in the future. The earlier the disruption occurs during the attachment process, the more grave damage and long-lasting effect it may result to.

The attachment process should not be disrupted or should be securely formed first before any disturbance, if there will be, so the child won’t have a high risk of becoming emotionally ungrounded. (Brazelton & Cramer, 1990, 73-77)ReferenceBrazelton, T B, and Bertrand G. Cramer. The Earliest Relationship: Parents, Infants, and the Drama of Early Attachment. Reading, Mass: Addison-Wesley, 1990. Print