ABSTRACT
This chapter examines factors that influence the development of early attachments. Since the emphasis of attachment theory has been on the role that caregivers play in the formation of attachments. The chapter reviews the theoretical origins of such a perspective and considers the extent to which the available data confirm the influence of caregivers on early attachments. The initial thrust of attachment theory and research highlighted the importance of maternal behaviour as a determinant of the quality of attachment. In 1969, Ainsworth published a theoretical review comparing and contrasting three then current approaches to the origin and development of the mother - infant relationship, namely psychodynamic theories of object relations, learning theories of dependency, and attachment theory. Despite this emphasis on infant contributions to the infant - mother relationship, Bowlby, Ainsworth and most other attachment theorists identify early experiences provided by the caregiver as the primary determinant of infant attachment patterns.
