... the infant attachment bond as some developmentalists suggest. Attachment Theory John Bowlby originally formulated the concept of attachment theory and asserted that attachments to others are instinctive and important throughout the life span (Kagan, 1984). Security is a key component of attachment theory and the theory claims the anticipated quality of treatment in all close relationships is strongly influenced by an infant's caregiver. Attachment theory asserts that insensitive care giving is reflected in infants developing insecure attachments to their caregiver consequently viewing others as unavailable and untrustworthy. This negatively affects their self-worth and permanently affects their vulnerability in future relationships (Berlin, Cassidy and Belsky, 1995). While insecure patterns of attachment are likely to lower resilience and produce more vulnerability, a secure pattern of attachment during infancy is regarded as the attachment style producing the best outcome, resulting in more flexible and adaptable coping strategies in a wider range of environments ...

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