ABSTRACT
Tobach and Schneirla (1968) have provided the theoretical context for analysis of the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of the mother-young relationship among animals in terms of approach/withdrawal (A/W) biphasic processes theory. They characterized the formation of the bond between mother and young by emphasizing the predominance of approach responses: “Processes of bond formation on all social levels involve relationships of approach and consequent mutual stimulation” (p. 507). However, they were aware that both approach and withdrawal processes are involved in phases of the mother’s behavior towards her young, particularly at weaning, and they wrote: “The processes of approach and withdrawal are both essential to the development of social behavior … as … in such social phenomena as territoriality, aggression, [and] weaning …” (p. 507–508). Moreover, they considered that the physiological (i.e., hormonal) processes of reproduction energized and channeled the mother’s behavior in relation to her young and in that way they are “… central in the development of bond formation …” between mother and young (Tobach and Schneirla, p. 508).
