J. Bowlby's (e.g., 1980) adaptational theory, based on research of the infant and child in the context of attachment behavior, is an example of the instinctive behavior that decreases the risk of danger and increases safety. The role of fathers and mothers in shaping attachment behavior are different. Research indicates that attachment patterns are highly dependent on the nature of mothering received in the first year. Data supports the intergenerational transmission of attachment behavior. From these early attachment patterns, internalized working models of the self, the other, and relationships are constructed that guide later behavior.

THE INFLUENCE OF SENSITIVE CARE ON ATTACHMENT BEHAVIOR

When I used to take my child to daycare, I witnessed on numerous mornings a young child, who was previously comfortable coming to day care, suddenly throwing a tantrum as the parent tried to leave, clinging to the parent's arm or leg as he or she tried to walk out the door. While this was distressing, I wondered what had happened to suddenly lead to such behavior. It was even more upsetting to the surprised parent as he or she was on their way to work. Such beh

DeHart, G, Sroufe, L, & Cooper, R. (2001). Child development: its nature and course. The McGraw-Hill: USA.

The hallmarks of attachment are marked by separation distress that seems to emerge around the same time frame for most infants. The child will show a level of discomfort around strangers. The child will also become distressed when the primary care giver is not accessible. The child will also at about the same time start to show greeting reactions, signs of positive response upon the return of the primary caregiver, normal in the form of smiles, laughs and squeals. Once a child starts to show signs of feeling secure-base behavior he has reached the final stage in the hallmark of attachment. The child will contently explore surroundings, periodically checking for the presence of the primary caregiver and retreating when uneasy about surroundings.

aviors, while disturbing to the adults around them, are a sign that the child is reaching an important developmental milestone. At about 8 months of age, children will begin to become anxious, clinging, and easily frightened about unfamiliar people or objects (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1993). This phase is commonly called separation or stranger anxiety. Separation anxiety usually peaks between 10 and 18 months and then gradually fades during the last half of the second year. The child's unwillingness to leave a parent or caregiver is a sign that attachments have developed between the caregiver and child (Brazelton, 1992). The child is beginning to understand that each object (including people) in the environment is different and permanent (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1993). This means that the child is learning that there is only one of you. In addition, the child begins to understand that when he cannot see you, you have gone somewhere else, and he shows these anxious behaviors because he wants you to remain close to him.

Groza, V, Ileana, F & Irwin, I. (2001). Dickens, boys town or purgatory: are institutions a place to call home?[Online]. Available: http://www.comeunity.com/adoption/institutionalism.html

Nevertheless, it can be confusing to watch a toddler who is growing more independent everyday by putting on her own shoes or wanting to feed herself actually become more dependent with these emotional displays. It is important to remember that the child is working through a stage where she is struggling between feelings of striking out on her own and yet wanting to stay safe by your side (Eisenberg, Murkoff, & Hathaway, 1994).

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