Bowlby's Stages of Attachment

Bowlby’s stages of attachment describe how infants form emotional bonds with caregivers. The process unfolds in four phases: 1. **Pre-attachment (0-6 weeks)**: Babies show innate behaviors like crying to attract caregivers. 2. **Attachment-in-the-making (6 weeks to 6-8 months)**: Infants begin to prefer familiar caregivers, developing trust. 3. **Clear-cut attachment (6-8 months to 18 months-2 years)**: Strong attachment forms; babies seek closeness and may experience separation anxiety. 4. **Formation of reciprocal relationships (2 years and onward)**: Children understand caregivers' returns, leading to more independence and complex social interactions. These stages highlight the importance of early emotional bonds for healthy development.