The 4 Stages of Infant Attachment…

Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Understanding Attachment in Infants: Insights from Shaffer & Emerson's Study

As a marriage and family therapist, I've encountered numerous parents seeking guidance on understanding their infants' behavior and the best practices for nurturing healthy attachment bonds.

Attachment theory, pioneered by John Bowlby and expanded upon by Mary Ainsworth, illuminates the intricate dynamics between infants and caregivers.

One pivotal study, conducted by Shaffer and Emerson in 1964 in Glasgow, offers valuable insights into the stages of infant attachment and how they influence later development. Over the last 60 years, the findings have been replicated again and again…

Who Are Shaffer & Emerson?

Before delving into their study, let's briefly introduce John Shaffer and Robert Emerson.

These two esteemed psychologists conducted groundbreaking research in 1964, focusing on attachment formation in infants. Their work laid the foundation for understanding the intricate dance between infants and their primary caregivers.

Schaffer and Emerson focused on learning how children develop social bonds, noting that children can form attachments of differing durability.

Conversely, John Bowlby, the Godfather of Attachment Theory, emphasized the central role of caregivers (attachment figures) in providing an infant with safety and predictability.

Attachment Theory established how early caregiver relationships establish social-emotional developmental foundations.

Still, change remains possible across the lifespan due to interpersonal relationships during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Attachment theory defines attachment as a deep and enduring emotional bond between two loving humans, characterized by seeking closeness and feeling more secure in the presence of the attachment figure.

The Significance of Attachment…

Attachment is more than just a warm fuzzy feeling between parent and child; it's a fundamental aspect of human development. Secure Attachment sets the stage for healthy emotional regulation, social skills, and self-esteem later in life.

Conversely, insecure attachment can lead to a myriad of challenges, including difficulties in forming relationships and managing emotions.

Now, let's explore Shaffer and Emerson's study in detail, highlighting the four stages of infant attachment they identified:

Stage 1: Asocial Attachment (0-6 Weeks):

During the first few weeks of life, infants display a limited preference for social stimuli. They're equally responsive to both animate and inanimate objects, showing little discrimination between faces. However, they do prefer familiar voices and smells, indicating an early form of bonding with primary caregivers.

From a therapeutic perspective, parents can nurture asocial attachment by engaging in gentle, responsive caregiving practices. Whispering to the baby, maintaining eye contact, and providing skin-to-skin contact promote security and familiarity during this critical stage.

Stage 2: Indiscriminate Attachment (6 Weeks - 7 Months):

As infants enter the second stage, they begin to show a preference for social stimuli over non-social ones. They smile more readily in response to faces and voices, displaying a budding awareness of their caregivers. However, their attachment remains relatively indiscriminate, as they're equally comfortable with familiar and unfamiliar individuals.

For parents, this stage offers an opportunity to foster bonding through consistent and loving interactions. Responding promptly to the baby's cues, engaging in playful interactions, and providing a nurturing environment lay the groundwork for secure attachment to form.

Stage 3: Specific Attachment (7-9 Months):

The third stage marks a significant milestone in attachment development, as infants become more selective in their attachments. They demonstrate a clear preference for primary caregivers, seeking comfort and security primarily from them. Separation anxiety may emerge during this stage, indicating the infant's growing awareness of separateness from their caregivers.

Family therapists support parents through this stage by validating their child's emotions while encouraging gradual independence. Assuring parents that separation anxiety is a normal part of development and offering strategies for comforting the infant can alleviate distress and strengthen the parent-child bond.

Stage 4: Multiple Attachment (9 Months Onward):

In the final stage, infants extend their attachment beyond primary caregivers to include other familiar humans, such as siblings, grandparents, or regular caregivers. They form multiple attachments, each serving a unique role in their social support network. This stage marks a transition towards greater independence and exploration, as infants feel secure in their relationships with multiple caregivers.

From a therapeutic standpoint, acknowledging the importance of these secondary attachments can empower parents to foster a supportive network around their child. Encouraging regular contact with extended family members and caregivers promotes a sense of belonging and security for the infant.

Final thoughts

Shaffer and Emerson's study offers invaluable insights into the nuanced process of attachment formation in infants. By understanding the four stages of attachment, parents and therapists alike can support healthy development and lay the foundation for secure relationships later in life.

As a marriage and family therapist, my goal is to equip parents with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the complexities of attachment.

My obvious goal is for my couples to foster loving, responsive relationships with their infants. Parents can nurture secure attachments that serve as a cornerstone for lifelong well-being. Secure Attachment is the moving -toward goal for human beings. I can help with that.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

REFERENCES:

Bowlby, J. (1982). Attachment and loss: Retrospect and prospect. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 52(4), 664-678.

Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Shaffer, H. R., & Emerson, R. (1964). The development of social attachments in infancy. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 29(3), 1-77.