Before we begin, let me make a few notes about social development in infancy. Throughout this course we have discussed developmental advances in terms of the ages at which they typically occur. Always keep in mind that we are talking about statistical norms and averages, not any specific baby. Another important thing to remember with social development is that now we are talking about a child in relation to other people in his environment. Attachment One of the most important developments of infancy in terms of social interaction is the development of the attachment relationship.
Attachment refers to an emotional bond that forms between two people.
History of Attachment Theory Freud claimed that this earliest relationship served as the prototype for all other attachment relationships, such as friendships and love relationships. Sigmund Freud was the first modern psychologist to suggest that the infancy period was important for later development. In particular, he claimed that an important relationship forms between the infant and her mother because the mother fulfills the child's needs and pleasure drives. Because the mother feeds, clothes, and shelters the baby, the baby develops an emotional attachment to the mother. Freud claimed that this earliest relationship then serves as the prototype for all other attachment relationships, such as friendships and love relationships.