The theory postulates that if the bond is not established in the early months, emotional and cognitive damage is certain to occur and may prove irreversible. A securely bonded baby, supposedly, will form good relationships with peers and with other adults. Research has shown, however, that babies do not relate only with their mothers. Any caring adult can be included in the relationship. Research has also shown that the relationship can be established in the latter periods of infancy and early childhood, to assure a fulfilling nurture.
Infants are vulnerable to maltreatment in often unique ways.
Contributing factors reside in the context of their families, the community, and the society they live in. As professionals we must understand this perspective, if we expect to contribute in an important way to the development of the infants and children we see professionally and socially. In Abuse and victimization across the life span , Edited by M.B. Strauss. Certain forms of abuse or neglect are easily recognized and universally condemned. Others require knowledge that all professionals working with children should acquire, if they intend to provide infants and children a full measure of help.