The Power of Early Attachment: Understanding Bowlby's Theory

The Power of Early Attachment: Understanding Bowlby's Theory

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand Bowlby's attachment theory and the impact of early attachment on later relationships.

This slide sets the learning objective for the lesson.

What do you already know about the impact of early attachment on later relationships?

Who is Bowlby?

John Bowlby was a British psychologist and psychiatrist who developed the attachment theory.

Introduce Bowlby and his work to the students.

Attachment Theory

Attachment theory is the idea that early relationships with caregivers can shape our relationships throughout life.

Explain the concept of attachment theory to the students.

Four Stages of Attachment

Bowlby identified four stages of attachment: pre-attachment, attachment-in-the-making, clear-cut attachment, and formation of reciprocal relationships.

Describe the four stages of attachment to the students.

Secure Attachment

Securely attached individuals tend to have healthier relationships later in life.

Explain the concept of secure attachment and its impact on later relationships.

Insecure Attachment

Insecurely attached individuals may struggle with trust, intimacy, and communication in later relationships.

Discuss the impact of insecure attachment on later relationships.

Nurture vs. Nature

The nature vs. nurture debate plays a role in attachment theory, but research shows that both biology and environment are important in shaping attachment styles.

Discuss the role of nature and nurture in attachment theory.

Interactive Activity

Have students reflect on their own attachment styles and the impact it has on their relationships.

Provide instructions for an interactive activity to help students apply the concept of attachment theory to their own lives.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.