Attachment and Early Social Interactions

Mary Ainsworth's research has played a vital role in the understanding of child growth. She further formulated an experimental procedure to observe the various forms of attachment displayed between a mother and a child. Moreover, Ainsworth suggested that a child’s attachment style is dependent on the sensitivity of their caregivers. It also depends on their mother’s behavior towards them. In general, she came up with four major attachment styles. 

First, a child may be insecurely avoidant attached. They are generally independent both physically and emotionally. In most cases, their mothers are insensitive to their needs. Secondly, other children may be securely attached and are likely to use their caregivers as their base to explore their surroundings. Moreover, their mothers are sensitive to their needs. Thirdly, some children may be insecurely ambient or resistant. These children tend to be dependent on their mothers yet they reject any interaction with them. Furthermore, they may not develop any attachment to their caregivers. This is as a result of inconsistency in the level of response to their needs from their mothers. Fourthly, a child may be disorganized-disoriented. It is characterized by episodes of confusion and inconsistency. 

The Theory of Mind provides information on how the mind works. It has further contributed to the changes in a child’s play and social skills during preschool. First, it helps children to become more socially equipped. They can further gain insight on what other people are thinking about. Second, they get to understand the behavior of people. Moreover, they are able to comprehend the motives behind a person’s behavior. Third, children develop self-awareness. Normally, as the brain matures, the myelination within it becomes more pronounced resulting in emotional growth. In addition, the Theory of Mind helps children to become more imaginative hence aiding in the development of their play skills thereby increasing their knowledge.