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An Evolutionary Perspective
Proximity to parents facilitates protection
of children.
Infants are predisposed to seek proximity
during distress.
Attachment, therefore, contributes to
evolutionary survival.
Within this framework, attachment is
considered a normal and healthy
characteristic of humans throughout the
lifespan, rather than a sign of immaturity
that needs to be outgrown (Cassidy,
1999, p. 5).
Dr. Ronald J.
Dr. Ronald J.
Individual Differences
Although there is a biological basis for
attachment and all children become attached
(even to abusive parents), not all children
become securely attached.
Secure attachment occurs when a child has a
mental representation of the attachment figure
as available and responsive when needed.
Infants are considered insecurely attached
when they lack such a representation
(Cassidy, 1999, p. 7).
The Role of Context
Activation of the attachment behavioral system
is influenced by
conditions in the child
conditions in the environment.
Dr. Ronald J.
Dr. Ronald J.
Dr. Ronald J.
Dr. Ronald J.
Multiple Attachments
Children form more than one attachment
and strength of attachment seems to be
influenced by the extent to which the
caregiver provides sensitive care.
The potential number of attachment
figures is not limtless.
Although children have multiple
attachment figures, they do not treat all
attachment figures as equivalent.
Dr. Ronald J.