Attachment theory-Understanding the essential Bond

Attachment theory-Understanding the essential Bond

John Bowlby pioneered “Attachment theory”

In 1958, psychologist John Bowlby pioneered “attachment theory,” the idea that the early bond between parent and child is critical to a child’s emotional development. Since then, scientists have discovered that insecure attachment during formative years can significantly stress both the developing brain and body, resulting in long-term psychological and physical ailments. For example, low levels of attachment security have been linked to diminished levels of cortisol, a steroidal hormone released in response to stress that is critical in reducing inflammation in the body. Watch the latest Human Feature from the Museum’s Science Bulletins program to see how recent studies are using cortisol levels as a marker to determine the success of early intervention in building stronger attachments between struggling parents and children.

In the video you are about to see, scientists look at the attachment between a child and a parent or caregiver and test how that relationship may affect a child’s mental and physical health.

AFTER WATCHING THE VIDEO, PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

What was the theory proposed by John Bowlby in regards to a child’s development?
In tests scientists observed a child’s response to a parent leaving the room? How did an insecurely attached child react when the parent left the room?
In terms of health, what psychological and biological ailments might people with adverse childhood experiences be susceptible to?
What is cortisol and what does it do?
How are low levels of security attachment and cortisol linked?
An early intervention program at the Center for Babies, Toddlers and Families is building stronger attachments between struggling parents and children. How does the program measure whether their intervention is successful?