3 key assumptions underpinning attachment theory

3 key assumptions underpinning attachment theory

1. 1) Parent plays central role in child’s development and in shaping the attachment that they have with their child

2. 2) Cognitive sensori-motor skills necessary for attachments to occur and hence development at 7 – 9 months of age, e.g. separation anxiety relies on understanding object permanence. So development develops alongside certain cognitive sensori-motor skills

3. 3) Learning in social interactions important, as children learn about behaviours from watching others. Therefore how they are treated from parents is crucial for their future interactions with others. Start to learn about the cause and effect relationship between action and reward, for example, if I cry, my caregiver will comfort me.