Social Attachments

Definition

Social attachments refer to the emotional bond that forms between individuals, often between a child and caregiver. This bond is crucial for the child's psychological development.

Analogy

Think of social attachments like the roots of a tree. Just as roots provide nourishment and stability to a tree, social attachments provide emotional support and security to an individual. Without these roots or bonds, both the tree and individual would struggle to thrive.

Related terms

Attachment Theory: This theory suggests that children form an emotional bond with caregivers at an early age, which influences their relationships throughout life.

Secure Attachment: A type of attachment characterized by infants who will explore freely while the caregiver is present, engage with strangers, are visibly upset when the caregiver departs but happy upon return.

Separation Anxiety: The distress experienced by infants when they are separated from their primary caregivers.