GCSE Psychology: Attachment and Social Development Guide

What is attachment?

Attachment is a close, emotional bond between an infant and their caregiver, providing a sense of security and shaping how the child relates to others later in life.

Types of attachment

Research using the "Strange Situation" procedure identified different attachment types, including secure attachment (confident, comforted easily) and insecure attachment (anxious or avoidant patterns).

Explanations of attachment

Some theories suggest attachment develops mainly through feeding (learning theory), while others, like Bowlby's theory, argue attachment is an innate, evolved behaviour that helps ensure a child's survival.

The role of attachment in development

Early attachment experiences are thought to create an "internal working model" — a template that shapes a child's expectations of relationships throughout later life.

Common mistakes

• Assuming attachment is only about feeding, ignoring evolutionary and emotional explanations.
• Treating insecure attachment as automatically meaning poor future development, rather than one influencing factor among many.
• Confusing attachment types without knowing their key defining features.