... be gradual'. This leans towards the hypotheses of Freud (1926) and Behaviourists who believe that attachment is a learnt process (nurture). The first and most intense attachment is normally that between mother and child. Because of this, most research is focused on this particular attachment. So what are the reasons for attachment? John Bowlby (1953) did much research on this subject and argued that newborns, being helpless at birth, are genetically hardwired to behave toward their mother in ways that ensure their survival. His initial hypothesis stated that infants displayed a strong innate tendency to attach to 'mother' but he later changed this to 'primary caregiver' Other purposes of attachment are to provide oneself with a carer and role model that we can learn various things from, like social skills and how to communicate. We also provide ourselves with someone that wants to interact with us. These interactions have great personal reward and ...

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