Attachments – what are they and why do they matter?
Attachment relationships are formed between a baby and their caregiver (parent or carer) from when they are first born. The baby is dependent on the caregiver to meet basic care needs, feel safe and feel protected from the world. It is instinctive that babies will seek to be close with their caregiver and will rely on them to help them to regulate their emotions (coregulation). This primary attachment is fundamental in developing the child’s physical and emotional development and the ability to build new relationships with others. Children who have all their needs met by their primary attachment figures develop a SECURE attachment style which means they are more likely to grow up feeling happy, safe, secure and able to explore the world with confidence.
Adverse experiences can mean the usual attachment cycle is disturbed and the child learns their caregivers cannot help them in their times of need and stress.
This can lead to infants developing INSECURE attachments and getting stuck developmentally e.g. unable to progress without coregulation/ positive brain building experiences with their caregiver. Insecure attachments can be related to difficulties in children with managing emotions, processing information accurately and making and maintaining healthy relationships.
A person's attachment style is established before the age of 3.
Read more about attachment styles: how they form and their effects (verywellmind.com).