Bonding vs Attachment
While bonding and attachment both describe the connection between a baby and their primary caregiver, there are subtle differences between the two. In the field of psychology, these two concepts are often discussed. Bonding is the attachment that the primary caregiver feels for the infant, while attachment refers to the emotional connection that develops between an infant and their primary caregiver. This article aims to highlight the difference between bonding and attachment.
What is Bonding?
Bonding is the attachment that the primary caregiver feels for the infant. This attachment is what causes the caregiver to love the infant deeply and meet all their needs. In this sense, bonding is task-oriented. Psychologists say that bonding develops within the first week after the infant’s birth. Bonding is crucial for the infant, as it influences their development. When a child experiences love and security, it enhances the infant’s development. Bonding is a natural process, but in cases where the infant is adopted, it may take longer to develop.
What is Attachment?
Attachment is the emotional connection that forms between an infant and their primary caregiver. Attachment plays a crucial role in the infant’s development, as it is the first attachment that the infant creates. According to psychologists, this development typically includes physical, cognitive, and psychological aspects. Psychologists believe that an infant’s view of the world is based on this attachment and that it can affect all their future relationships.
If an infant’s emotional and physical needs are met abundantly, it creates a healthy attachment. These infants receive love, care, and attention from their caregivers, which influences their future attachments. In developmental psychology, it is said that the attachment between a mother and her child begins before birth. The child becomes familiar with the mother’s voice, moods, and other characteristics. After the child’s birth, the attachment between the infant and the mother continues to develop.
There are two types of attachment:
– Secure Attachment
– Insecure Attachment
An infant with a secure attachment feels secure, creating a solid foundation for their development. However, an infant with an insecure attachment may have issues with trust, understanding, and may face difficulties in future relationships.
Key Takeaways
- Bonding is the attachment that the primary caregiver feels for the infant, while attachment is the emotional connection that develops between an infant and their primary caregiver.
- Bonding generally occurs within the first week after the infant’s birth, while attachment begins even before the infant is born.
- Bonding involves taking care of the infant’s needs, while attachment is more emotional and can impact the infant’s future relationships.
