People can and do get the [attachment] theory confused with attachment parenting. The result of this may be that some parents, thinking that attachment parenting is too consuming and also because western society has a need for independence and separation, may then look for alternative methods that do not involve any form of attachment "methods". The purpose of researching these theories is to gather information about attachment theory for those involved to make informed decisions that do not involve a specific parenting philosophy that may not suit their family's needs (Schaffer & Emerson, 1964, p. 15).
Attachment is the method through which people acquire specific positive and close emotional bonds with others. In mature relationships, people may be equal attachment figures. However, this is not the case in a relationship between the child and parent. The child-parent attachment is a tie based on a need for safety, security and protection, paramount during infancy and childhood when the developing individual is undeveloped and weak. As a result, infants unconsciously react by attaching to their caregivers. This paper will further discuss the importance of early emotional attachment in development as well as progressive concepts and empirical foundations. As a new parent, I am hoping that my personal study of these theories will aid in the development of my child as well as my maturity as a parent. Attachment is such an important part of a child's advancement and is the groundwork from which all future relationships are built. I believe that we can benefit from a firm understanding of the following models and they will help to ensure that my daughter is instilled with all the tools necessary for social and emotional health and well being.
Infant Attachment.
The earliest derivation of attachment theory is found in Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory of development. Freud was the first to suggest a theory of human developmental stages.