Japanese infants display more resistant attachment patterns. Japanese mothers rarely leave their babies in the care of strange people, which might cause the Strange Situation to be more stressful for these infants. These babies had emotional problems not because they were separated from their mothers, but because they were prevented from forming a bond with one or a few adults. It is possible that fully normal attachment development depends on establishing close bonds with caregivers during the first few years of life. Insecurely attached infants have mothers who dislike physical contact, handle them awkwardly, and behave insensitively when meeting the baby's needs.
Avoidant infants tends to receive caregiving that is overstimulating and intrusive.
Child abuse and neglect are associated with all three forms of insecure attachment. Some evidence indicates that sensitive caregiving can override the impact of infant characteristics on attachment security. Family transitions affect parent-child interaction and, in turn, the attachment bond. Parents bring to the family context a long history of attachment experiences, out of which they construct internal working models that they apply to the bonds established with their babies. Mothers who show objectivity and balance when discussing their childhoods tend to have securely attached infants.