disruption of attachment

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Discuss research into the disruption of attachment (12 Marks)

Attachment is essential for healthy social and emotional development. It is thought therefore that disruption of attachment might have a negative impact on social and emotional development. This disruption could occur if the infant is separated from his or her attachment figure. As Ainsworth showed in her 'Strange Situation' physical separation from a primary attachment figure is distressing. There are however degrees when physical separation is unavoidable.

In these instances psychologists have tried to study and analyse the situations in which subsequent emotional care could be hindered. Our first key study is brought forward in 1968-73 by psychologists Robertson and Robertson. The study was conducted on a 17 month old baby, who was placed in residential care whilst his mother went to undergo treatment in hospital.

A physical bond was existent as his father visited regularly however after two days of normal behaviour John gradually changed as he made determined effort to get attention from the nurses. This competition was found difficult as the nurses were always busy and the other children were more assertive. When a state of loneliness is apparent due