Attachment bonds formed in childhood years have long-term effects. Explain taking examples from daily life.

The close emotional bond of affection that develop between infants and their parents is called attachment. Human babies form an attachment with their parents or caregivers who consistently and appropriately reciprocate to their signals of love and affection. According to Erikson (1968), the first year of life is the key time for the development of attachment. It represents the stage of developing trust or mistrust. A sense of trust is built on a feeling of physical comfort which builds an expectation of the world as a secure and good place.

An infant’s sense of trust is developed by responsive and sensitive parenting. If the parents are sensitive, affectionate, and accepting, it provides the infant a strong base to explore the environment. Such infants are likely to develop a secune attachment. On the other hand, if the parents are insensitive and show dissatisfaction land find faults with the child, it can lead to creating feelings of self-doubt in the child.

Securely attached infants respond positively when picked up, move freely and play whereas insecurely attached infants feel anxious when separated and cry due to fear and get upset. Thus, a close interactive relationship with warm and affectionate adults is a child’s first step towards healthy development.