Bowlby, John (attachment theory)

John Bowlby was a British psychologist who developed attachment theory, which explains the importance of the emotional bonds between infants and their primary caregivers. He believed that these early attachments significantly influence a child's social, emotional, and cognitive development. Bowlby proposed that a secure attachment provides a safe base for children to explore the world, while insecure attachments can lead to difficulties in relationships and emotional regulation later in life. His work emphasized that nurturing and responsive caregiving fosters healthy development, laying the foundation for future relationships and psychological well-being.