How is brain development influenced by attachment
Attachment is a clinical term used to describe "a lasting psychological connectedness between human beings” (Bowlby,
1997)1. In particular, attachment theory highlights the importance of a child’s emotional bond with their primary caregivers. Disruption to or loss of this bond can affect a child emotionally and psychologically into adulthood, and have an impact on their future relationships. Only specially trained and qualified professionals should assess a child’s attachment style.
However, it’s important for all adults working with children to understand what attachment is and know how to help parents and carers become attuned to their child’s needs. You might do this by working with them directly, or by signposting families to other appropriate services. In the long term, this can help improve wellbeing and provide positive outcomes for both the child and their caregivers. Children can form attachments with more
than one caregiver, but the bond with the people who have provided close care from early infancy is the most important and enduring (Bowlby, 1997)2. It’s important that parents and carers are attuned and responsive to their baby’s needs and are able to provide appropriate care. This includes recognising if their baby is hungry, feeling unwell or in need of closeness and
affection (Howe, 2011)3. Forming an attachment is something that develops over time for a child, but parents and carers can start to form an emotional bond with their child before they are born. Sometimes a parent or carer may have difficulty forming this bond, for example if they are experiencing mental health issues or don’t have an effective support network. On
this page, you’ll find information on: Our information specialists are here to help you find research, guidance and best practice. Find out more The first two years of a child’s life are the most critical for forming attachments (Prior and Glaser, 2006)1. During this period, children develop an ‘internal working model’ that shapes the way they view relationships and operate socially. This can affect their sense of trust in others, self-worth and their confidence interacting with others
(Bowlby, 1997)2. Attachments are formed in different ways during the phases of a child’s development. During the antenatal period, parents and carers can form a bond with their child. Any bonds formed before birth can have a positive impact on the relationship between babies and their caregivers
once the child is born (Condon and Corkindale, 1997)3. This is sometimes referred to as the pre-attachment phase because the baby doesn’t appear to show an attachment to any specific caregiver. However, parents and carers who provide a nurturing environment and are responsive to their babies needs can lay the foundation for secure attachments
to form (Bowlby, 1997)4. During this stage of their development, a baby might start to show a preference for their primary and secondary caregivers (often the mother and father). During this period a child begins to show a strong attachment to their primary caregivers. Babies start to
develop separation anxiety during this phase and can become upset when their caregiver leaves, even for short periods (Bowlby, 1997)5. At this point children are likely to become less dependent on their primary caregiver, particularly if they feel secure and confident the caregiver will return and be responsive in times of need
(Bowlby, 1997)6. A child’s need for attachment is part of the
process of seeking safety and security from their caregiver. In secure caregiver-child relationships, the caregiver is usually sensitive and tuned in to the child’s needs. They are able to provide care that is predictably loving, responsive and consistent. Young children who have formed a secure attachment to their caregiver may display the following patterns of behaviour during times of stress or exploration: (Ainsworth et al, 2015)1. When caregivers react sensitively to ease their child’s distress and help them regulate their emotions, it has a positive impact on the child’s neurological, physiological and psychosocial development
(Howe, 2011)2. Children with secure attachments are more likely to develop emotional intelligence, good social skills and robust mental health (Howe, 2011)3. Not receiving comfort and security in the early
years can have a negative effect on children’s neurological, psychological, emotional and physical development and functioning (Newman, 2015)4. Babies and young children who have attachment issues may be more likely to develop behavioural problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conduct disorder (Fearon et al,
2010)5. Children who have attachment issues can have difficulty forming healthy relationships when they grow up. This may be because their experiences have taught them to believe that other people are unreliable or untrustworthy (Bowlby, 1997)6. Adults with attachment issues are at a higher risk of entering into volatile relationships and having poor parenting skills, behavioural difficulties and mental health problems (Howe, 2011)7. > Find out more about how trauma affects child brain development Take a look at our reading list on child attachment. > View
the reading list on the NSPCC Library catalogue Some circumstances can make it more challenging for a child and their caregivers to form a pattern of
secure attachment. These may include: (Bowlby, 1989)1. Children’s behaviour can be influenced by a wide range of circumstances and emotions. Indicators that a baby or toddler might not have a secure attachment with their caregiver will emerge as a pattern of behaviour over time, particularly during moments of stress or exploration. This pattern might include:
(Howe, 2011)2. As children with attachment issues get older, these behaviour patterns might evolve. As well as being evident during times of stress, some behaviours may start to become obvious at other times. These may include the child:
(Mentally Healthy Schools, 2020)3. If you think a child may have attachment issues, you should refer them to a suitably trained health and social care professional for a full assessment. You should follow your organisation’s procedures to make a health and social care referral, or contact your local authority children’s social care services. Trauma and attachmentThe signs of attachment issues can be similar to indicators that a child is experiencing other challenges, such as:
This means it’s important to consider everything that’s going on in a child’s life and make sure they and their family are provided with appropriate support. Think about all your previous experiences with the child and their caregivers, to help you build a clear picture of their relationships and recognise any concerning patterns of behaviour. The impact of trauma and attachmentChildren who have experienced abuse, neglect and trauma might develop coping strategies that can make it more complicated to recognise attachment issues. For example, one sign of secure attachment is that children see their caregiver as a secure base to explore from. But children who have experienced neglect, for example, might display independent behaviour in order to protect themselves from the emotional pain of not having their needs met (Marvin et al, 2002)1. It is also possible for a child to develop an attachment to someone who is maltreating them (Blizard & Bluhm, 1994)2. As well as affecting attachment, experiencing trauma can have an impact on a child’s brain development. Children might need extra support to help strengthen the architecture of their brain. > Find out more about how trauma affects child brain development What to do if you’re worried that a child is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglectIf a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999. If you’re worried about a child but they are not in immediate danger, you should share your concerns.
> Find out more about recognising and responding to abuse Supporting children and familiesBuilding positive relationshipsIt’s important for anyone who works with children and families to support parents and carers in building positive relationships with their child. Having positive interaction and play with caregivers can help a child’s brain to develop healthily. > See our early years resources which you can share with parents and caregivers Video feedback programmes can also be used by specially trained social care professionals to help caregivers improve their interactions with their child. This involves caregivers being filmed when they are interacting with their child and then watching the recording with a trained practitioner, who gives them feedback and helps them build on their strengths. Support for parents and carersIf parents are struggling with their own issues, it may make it harder for them to bond with their child and provide consistant and responsive care. They may have:
> Find out more about parental mental health > Learn more about parental substance misuse Services for children and familiesThe NSPCC has many services that children and families can be referred to, from supporting parents and carers in taking care of their children to preventing sexual abuse and overcoming abuse. Our services might be suitable for children and families you are working with:
Browse for more services Further readingTake a look at our reading list about child attachment interventions, support and treatment. > View the list on the NSPCC Library catalogue Supporting children’s mental healthChildren with attachment issues may have problems expressing or controlling their emotions and forming positive relationships, which might affect their mental health. It’s important to make sure children and young people have access to mental health support. > Find out more about child mental health > See the NSPCC’s advice for parents and carers on how to support their child’s mental health ChildlineIf a child or young person needs confidential help and advice you can always direct them to Childline. Calls to 0800 1111 are free and children can also contact Childline online. Children under the age of 12 can be directed to the Childline Kids website. We also have a series of posters and wallet cards you can download for free or you can buy printed versions via our online shop. These can be displayed in your setting to encourage children to contact Childline if they need to talk. How does attachment relate to development?Attachment allows children the 'secure base' necessary to explore, learn and relate, and the wellbeing, motivation, and opportunity to do so. It is important for safety, stress regulation, adaptability, and resilience.
What part of the brain is impacted by attachment experiences?Neurological research would suggest that a child's trauma and attachment history may have a significant impact on the development, integration and functioning of the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that is highly involved in these executive functioning skills.
|