SDS150R Chapter 6: chapter6.docx

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Social Development Studies
• Course: SDS150R
• Professor: Steve Spencer

Document Summary

Freud asserted that infant weaning practices were central to the attachment process. Erikson believed this was important, but so was responding to the infant"s other needs by talking to them, comforting him, and so on. Attachment theory- the view that the ability and need to form an attachment relationship early in life are genetic characteristics of all human beings (ethological perspective) Affectional bond- the emotional tie to an infant experienced by a parent. Attachment- the emotional tie to a parent experienced by an infant, from which the child derives security. Ethologists believe that the first 2 years of life constitute a sensitive period for attachment in human infants. They claim that infants who fail to form a close relationship with a primary caregiver are at risk for future social and personality problems. Reactive attachment disorder- a disorder that appears to prevent a child from forming close social relationships.