PO2.2 impact of secure attachment

• Early Years
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

K2.2 

Building Secure Attachments: A Foundation for Child Development

III

Intent: Understand the features and impact of secure attachment in children. 

Implement: Review our previous knowledge of secure attachment through a quiz, create a Canva presentation on the various positive impacts a secure attachment can provide and review our learning via a quiz and identifying what new information we have learnt about secure attachment.

Impact: How does understand the impact of secure attachment support you as a practitioner? 

What do you already know about secure attachment in children?

What is secure attachment?

1. An anxious and avoidant relationship between parent and child.
2. A bond where the child is overly dependent on the caregiver.
3. A bond characterized by inconsistent parental responsiveness.
4. A healthy emotional bond between a child and caregiver.

What are the signs of secure attachment?

1. A child shows disinterest in the caregiver's presence.
2. A child seeks comfort from the caregiver.
3. A child displays extreme distress when separated from the caregiver.
4. A child is indifferent to the caregiver's emotional state.

How does secure attachment benefit children?

1. It leads to over-reliance on the caregiver.
2. It causes anxiety and fear of exploration.
3. It hinders the development of empathy and compassion.
4. It promotes healthy emotional and social development.

Ability to settle 

Children with secure attachments can generally calm down or "settle" themselves after being upset or stressed, especially when they are in the presence of their primary caregiver. This ability is a result of the trust they have in their caregiver's consistent availability and responsiveness.

Anxiety when away from primary caregiver

Children with secure attachments often show signs of distress or anxiety when separated from their primary caregiver. This anxiety is a normal and healthy response, indicating that the child values the caregiver's presence.

Can you provide an example of this? 

Returns to primary caregiver for comfort and safety

A securely attached child will seek out their primary caregiver when they feel threatened, scared, or in need of comfort. This behaviour is known as "safe haven" behaviour, where the child views the caregiver as a source of safety.

Can you provide an example of this? 

 

Can you provide an example of this? 

Expressing Affection and Trust

Children with secure attachment show and receive affection, and they trust others, leading to healthier social interactions.

Securely attached children are comfortable both giving and receiving affection. They feel confident in their caregiver's love and are not hesitant to express their own feelings of love and affection.

Can you provide me with an example of this?

Positive Impact of Secure Attachment - Development & Behaviour

Positive Impact of Secure Attachment 

• Forming and maintaining future relationships 
• Developing empathy for others 
• Developing the ability to self-regulate 
• Ensuring social and emotional development and security 
• Promoting short and long term mental health 
• Ability o take risks 
• Ability to learn and develop more effectively 

Create a Canva/Poster presentation on the positive impacts of secure attachment 

Emotional Security and Mental Health

Secure attachment has been linked to better mental health outcomes both in childhood and later in life, reducing the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Example: A child with secure attachment is less likely to develop anxiety disorders or depression as they grow. For instance, they might approach challenges with optimism and confidence, reducing the likelihood of developing chronic stress or depressive symptoms.

Promoting Social and Emotional Development

Secure attachment is crucial for a child's overall social and emotional well-being, providing a sense of safety and stability.

Example: Securely attached children tend to be more socially competent, confident in new social situations, and able to express their emotions appropriately. They might, for instance, join a new group activity at school without hesitation because they feel secure in exploring new environments.

Building Resilience and Confidence

Children with secure attachment are more willing to take healthy risks, such as trying new activities or exploring new environments, because they have a strong foundation of security.

Example: A securely attached child might be more willing to try out for a sports team, perform in a school play, or attempt challenging tasks like solving a difficult puzzle. They have the confidence to explore because they know they have a supportive base to return to.

Forming and Maintaining Future Relationships

Children with secure attachment tend to develop strong interpersonal skills, which helps them form and maintain healthy relationships throughout life.

Example: A securely attached child is more likely to trust others, communicate effectively, and show resilience in friendships. For instance, they might have an easier time forming close friendships in school and later in life, developing into adults who can sustain healthy romantic relationships and strong social networks.

Ability to learn and develop more effectively

Secure attachment promotes cognitive development and the ability to learn. Children with secure attachment tend to be more curious, motivated, and engaged in learning.

Example: A child who feels securely attached is more likely to explore their environment, ask questions, and show enthusiasm for learning new things. In school, they may participate more actively in class, showing a greater eagerness to learn and succeed academically.

Make the Link! 

• Carl Rogers
• Self-worth
• Congruent self concept.
•  Self actualization! 

What is one significant impact of secure attachment on children's development?

1. No impact on emotional security and social behavior
2. Decreased emotional security and negative social behavior
3. Increased emotional security and positive social behavior
4. Increased anxiety and withdrawal

How does secure attachment affect a child's behaviour?

1. No impact on self-regulation and coping skills
2. Promotes better self-regulation and coping skills
3. Leads to impulsive and aggressive behaviour
4. Causes withdrawal and isolation

What is the relationship between secure attachment and cognitive development?

1. Facilitates better cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills
2. No correlation with cognitive development
3. Impairs cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills
4. Stunts intellectual growth

How does secure attachment influence peer relationships?

1. No effect on peer interactions and friendships
2. Causes social isolation and rejection
3. Promotes healthier interactions and friendships
4. Leads to conflict and bullying

What is a common emotional outcome of secure attachment in children?

1. Greater sense of trust and security in relationships
2. Heightened fear and suspicion
3. No impact on trust and security in relationships
4. Distrust and insecurity in relationships