ABSTRACT
More than 50 years of research on attachment theory has highlighted the central role of the parentchild relationship in children’s development and social, emotional, and cognitive functioning throughout the life span. Bowlby (1969/1982) designated the primary caregiver as one who ideally is bigger, stronger, and wiser; a secure base from which the child may explore and interact with his or her environment; and a safe haven that he or she can consistently return to for protection in moments of fright or distress. Over time, secure attachment to a reliable caregiver supports development of the child’s understanding of mental states and affect regulation, and the construction of representations of the self as worthy, loveable and efficacious, and of others as reliable and trustworthy. These capacities further promote the child’s ability to interact with his or her world, and to consolidate an autonomous internal sense of security that supports ongoing development as an independent agent.
