John Bowlby's Research On Abuse And Neglect Of Infants

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The most significant bond in life is established between the infant and primary caregiver. John Bowlby, the eminent authority, describes attachment as the natural connection between baby and mother (as cited in Alexander, 1992, p. 1). Family dynamics have changed since Bowlby’s time, for this reason, it is the relationship of the infant and primary caregiver to be analyzed. Bowlby’s attachment theory infers that the path of these bonds lay the groundwork for future behavior, view of one’s self, and relationship with others (Colonnesi et al., 2011). Research on abuse and neglect of infants and it’s correlation to insecure attachment and the type of insecure attachment is vital in order to establish an early intervention protocol. Bowlby’s work on attachment theory shows if an infant develops a secure attachment it can be assumed the child is treated well and will obtain a good …show more content…

Of the sample studied eighty- six percent of maltreated children classified as having insecure attachment at twelve months were classified as at a previous age. In fact, the insecure attachment helps to determine the toddlers functioning and supports the value of the insecure attachment model to increasing our knowledge of children’s mental disorders (Barnet, Ganiban, & Cicchetti, 1989). Based on the previous research there may be a correlation between neglect and abuse of children and the type of attachment they form with their primary caregiver. However, the research fails to go further and link specific acts of abuse/neglect with an exact type of insecure attachment type (A, avoidant, C, ambivalent, and D, disorganized/disoriented). For example, do most children who suffer from neglect form type A attachments? Does the majority of sexually abused infants have a type D insecure

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