Children’s early emotional experiences

Part 1:

a.) Describe and explain the impact on children of their early emotional interactions with others. Attachment theory provides a psychological perspective on this. There are also examples in the module materials (online and the Reader) of research studies that examine caregivers’ responses to infants and how this affects children. You may also draw on other materials in the course so far, e.g., on parenting.

After birth children spend the majority of their time with their primary caregiver. In the past the primary caregiver would most commonly be the mother, but this concept has changed. As time has gone on, the idea of a ‘normal’ family unit has evolved along with social norms and expectations. Many psychologists have explored the impact that these interactions and relationships have on children’s development in all areas of life, as well as their wellbeing. Susan Golombok (2000) recognised the change in the family structure, with more single parents, less gender expectations meaning that mum or dad may be the primary caregiver and same gender partners. It has been suggested by various studies, that the particular individual that the bond is formed with, is not as important as the consistency and quality of the relationship between the child and the primary caregiver as they grow.

Research that looked at the quality of a mothers relationship between themselves and their child, investigated the effects of maternal responsiveness on their child. In postnatal depression the effects of attachments in the child’s early years was carried out as various different studies over a period of 20 years.

They concluded that postnatal depression can impact on an individuals psychological development with long term consequences. Studies used both male and female participants from birth to 2 years old using a longitudinal approach. The studies were following them throughout the first 2 years on their life, the impact was shown in different areas of development including social, emotional and behavioural.

Examples of behaviours shown include eating and sleeping problems and difficulties in forming attachments. It was also shown that boys often required more support than their female counterparts due to the impact of postnatal depression showing a more