Sensitive mothering is essential to the social and emotional development of the child. Discuss this statement in the context of relevant developme...

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A mother’s role is of great significance to every child’s development. This essay aims to focus on the role of the mother in terms of sensitive and insensitive mothering (Ainsworth in Smith, Cowie & Blades, 2003) and how each affects the child socially and emotionally. We will explore Bowlby’s attachment theory (Bowlby 1988) and view Ainsworth’s research regarding the types of attachment (Ainsworth in Barnes, 1995). Furthermore we will look into Erikson’s psychosocial developmental theory (Erikson in Stevens, 1983) emphasising on the first stage. Lastly, we will view research undertaken with children and adults to determine how early attachments impact the social and emotional development. Sensitive mothering refers to a mother who is sensitive towards her child, understands his/her needs and is willing to fulfil them. On the contrary, insensitive mothering refers to a mother who places her own needs above her child’s often ignoring and/or neglecting him/her. Ainsworth (Sylva & Lunt, 1989) studied the responses of the mothers towards her child and found that sensitive mothering fosters a secure attachment (Bowlby, 1988) between the mother and the child. In this case, the mother is seen as a secure base (Bowlby, 1988) providing the child with trust needed to explore his/her environment. Insensitive mothering leads to an insecure attachment (Bowlby, 1988) between mother and child therefore affecting the child’s ability to explore and develop. Ainsworth & Bell (in Sylva & Lunt, 1989) stated that the mother’s sensitivity towards her child builds the foundations for all future social and emotional development. One of the first to consider the mother-child bond was Bowlby who developed his evolutionary theory of attachment suggestin... ... middle of paper ... ...lypsychology.org/bowlby.html (date accessed 05/05/14) McLeod, S.A (2013) Erik Erikson [online], Available from: http://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html (date accessed 05/05/2014) McLeod, S.A (2008) Mary Ainsworth [online], Available from: http://www.simplypsychology.org/mary-ainsworth.html (date accessed 05/05/2014) McLeod, S.A (2009) Attachment Theory [online], Available from: http://www.simplypsychology.org/attachment.html (date accessed 05/05/14) Montessori Centre International (2013) Module 2 Child Development London: MCI Montessori Centre International (2013) Study Skills London: MCI Smith, P.K., Cowie, H., Blades, M. (2003, 4th Edition) Understanding Children’s Development Oxford: Blackwell Stevens, R. (1983) Erik Erikson Milton Keynes: Open University Press Sylva, K. & Lunt, I. (1989) Child Development – A First Course Oxford: Blackwell

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