by Jason Todd

Created on: September 20, 2007

Secure attachment to caregivers is an essential ingredient to a child's development. Attachment disorders are of serious concern when considering the development of adopted children. Studies have shown that 38% of children under four who entered foster care due to abuse or neglect have shown signs of attachment disorders (Boris, 2005). In order to facilitate the development of these children, we must explore three areas of attachment; what is attachment, how are attachment disorders developed, and how do we treat children with attachment disorders.

What Is Attachment?

According to John W. Santrock, attachment can be defined as "a close emotional bond between two people (2007)." This bond is normally first developed during infancy with the primary caregivers. Infants and children are dependant on adults to provide for their needs. They will organize their behaviors to ensure their needs are recognized and provided for (Boris, 2005).

During the first few months of life, infants will not show a preference toward who provides for their needs. Between two and seven months old, infants may show some preference for a more familiar caregiver; however, he is still able to respond well to strangers also. From seven to nine months of age, infants begin to strongly prefer the primary caregivers and will show more discomfort around strangers (Boris 2005).

The bond is formed as each need of the child is met by the primary caregiver. When the child is hungry, the caregiver recognizes this and provides food. When the child is scared, the caregiver provides security. When the child is in pain, the caregiver provides comfort. Each time the child's needs are met, she learns to trust the caregiver. She also learns to regulate her own emotions during this process (Kemp, 2007).

As children mature, the attachment process becomes more complex. After the first year, an infant will begin to express wants in addition to needs. Sometimes his wants will not be able to be met and the caregiver must set limits. Then, the child has a choice; he can accept, rest, or defy those limits. It is then the caregiver's responsibility to respond appropriately to the child's reaction. This process further refines his ability to regulate his emotions (Attachment Disorder Site, 2007).

What Is Attachment Disorder?

When the bonding experience is interrupted or nonexistent, the child my develop attachment disorders. These disorders range from varying degrees and types of insecure attachment to the most severe

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