SECURE ATTACHMENT 
By Cecilia Gutiérrez A., Psychologist NSW SLASA.psychologist@nswslasa.com.au Numerous investigations have demonstrated that the affective relation type established, between a child and parents in the infancy, directly influences the development of their personality in vital aspects such as the affective, cognitive and social development. In this context, the parents play a fundamental role, since their presence or absence and the type of relationshp they establish with their children, turns out to be a key factor to help or hold back a child’s development. The intention of this booklet is to inform and sensitise parents and carers of the Spanish-speaking communities, in relation to how an established secure attachment bond is placed as a protective factor key, which foments the child with positive development and later healthy personality development. In addition, explicate concrete actions to promote secure attachment with their children. What is Attachment? . Attachment is a concept that has been developed in the area of psychology and is described as “the reciprocal and long-lasting emotional bond between a child and its carer”. This means that the attachment is the bond (relation, emotional connection) that is established between the child and who is in charge of its up bringing, that is generally the mother and/or the father. It is characterised by a lasting relationship, in which as much the child as the carer contributes to the quality of the relationship. The type of bond can be secure or insecure (evasive, anxious ambivalent or disorganized). A warm, affective and stable bond (secure attachment) foments positive childhood development in its different dimensions (affective, cognitive and social), as well as, a healthy personality development. However, the contrary applies in an insecure bond, which is characterized by the affective deprivation (little or no emotional warmth), instability, and incongruence and in some cases, child abuse. The latter is closely connected to a large number of emotional disorders, cognitive-behaviours and social problems in the childhood and the adult life. Secure Attachment Every child, regardless of race, sex or religion, needs to have certain indispensable needs satisfied, for their development and maturity. They need parents to satisfied basic (feed, sleep, and health) and affective (affection, acceptance, security, stability) needs. Providing a warm, safe and stable environment that transmits confidence and security to a child is as important as food, hygiene and vaccines. Secure attachment is developed when an established relationship between a parent and a child is characterised for being affective, warm, safe and stable, where, basic and affective needs are appropriately satisfied. Parents show “a sensible” response to the needs of their children and respond to them positively. Such relationship creates security, peacefulness, solace and enjoyment to the child. The physical contact and affective demonstrations are always present. Therefore, the child with a relationship of secure attachment will feel “Secure, confident and accepted”, allowing to explore the world peacefully, because the child has the certainty of the affective availability; in a case of danger the child will be able to turn to his/her parents and they will be present to hold and help the child. This, particularly, is one of the initial most important aspects of childhood development. Children need to develop a sense of trust in people (first instance, the parents). The feeling that an “affective availability” exists, allows the development of the “initial basic trust”, later changing to “self trust”, allowing the child to establish satisfactory social relationships based on trust and empathy. In addition, the development of self confidence will allow the development of autonomy, key aspect in the differentiation process and resolution of problems. Kotliarenco et. al., (1997) states that: “ (...) the fact that children count on with a secure bond the first years of life, allows the development of different internal resources as much as, in preschool age and future stages; suitable social behaviour, good control of impulses, capacity to confront problems, self-esteem, autonomy and diverse cognitive abilities like inventiveness or creativity”. Thereby, establishing a secure attachment bond is the best way to promote positive infantile development, and later healthy personality development. “For any child to feel loved, means, to feel accepted and valued. Supported by the affective security of being accepted the child may try to solve or overcome difficult situations. The child needs unconditional affection, that affection that goes on without demands, the one which does not depend on their behaviour. The child will be able to make mistakes, commit errors and disobey, but, without losing for that reason the affection. This shows the child’s worth, possibilities and limitations. It is a source of self-esteem, security, and tranquillity. That unconditional affection is, possibly, the fundamental pillar of secure attachment” Munist ET. to., (1998) In summary, the attachment type foments positive infantile development, consequently healthy personality development. Next a series of characteristics are unfold, which frequently are observed in children with secure attachment type: - Self confidence
- Positive Self-esteem
- Autonomy
- Capacity to solve problems
- Satisfactory social relations
- Affective regulation
- Capacity to empathise
- Assertiveness
- Tolerance to frustration
However, the absence of affection and care causes a great risk in the infantile development. Insecure attachment type,(characterised by a relationship with little or no emotional warmth, instability, incongruence and in some cases mistreat) is closely connected to a great amount of emotional, cognitive-behaviour and social disorders in the childhood and adult life. Generally, children with insecure attachment type, show learning difficulties and poor academic performance. For an effective learning process, it is important to highlight, that indispensable cognitive functions such as; memory, perception, attention and reflection are required. These functions are significantly affected in relations of insecure attachment, abuse and mistreatment. The problematic that frequently are observed in children with insecure attachment type are as follow: - Little or no self confidence
- Low self-esteem
- Behavioural problems
- Learning difficulties
- Attention deficit
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsiveness
- Difficulties establishing close and healthy social relations; since the constant search for acceptance generates rivalries, jealousy and impulsive behaviours in front of affective conflicts.
In summary we can observe that, the establishment of the secure attachment bond in early childhood is a protective key factor, which promotes secure attachment and the prevention of attachment disorientation, resulting in strategies of great social relevance, especially, in scenarios of psychosocial risk. In aspects as essential as personality formation and social conducts, the promotion of attachments is a feasible strategy throughout a vital cycle, nevertheless, it is important to point out that, early childhood, is a critical period in human development. Studies show that great part of the brains’ growth is developed in the first five years of life, period in which, the specific presence of certain conditions and stimuli, can have a significant impact in the development and learning capacity. Therefore, given the biological and psychological characteristics of this age, open to learn, it makes the promotion of secure attachment in the first years of life, to represent a great potential to promote changes and to improve the opportunities of children who grow socially disadvantaged. Subsequently we will look at a number of concrete strategies and actions to promote a secure attachment bond between parents and children. |
