Infant Attachment as a Dynamic System1

Abstract

Research conducted over the last few decades has consistently highlighted the importance of the quality of infant attachment to primary caregivers in the fostering of positive child developmental outcomes both during the infancy period and beyond. However, the evidence is less conclusive regarding specification of the antecedent infant and caregiver behaviors, contextual factors, and interactive processes likely to produce optimal attachment relations. Although for many years the search for antecedents has focused primarily on caregiver sensitivity, researchers have recently recognized that attachment emerges based on a complex array of individual and environmental factors interacting in complex and often nonlinear ways. Scientific attempts to more precisely specify the origins of attachment behavior seem to have been thwarted by the limitations inherent in traditional models of development. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore application of dynamic systems theory to the study of attachment relations. Attachment theory and research are reviewed initially, followed by an overview of the basic tenets of dynamic systems theory. Based on specification of the dynamic components of attachment relations and an analysis of the central tenets of the dynamic systems perspective, an effort is made to illuminate the appropriateness of a dynamic systems framework as a guide for future conceptual and empirical work in the area of attachment. Specific ideas for applying a dynamic systems methodology to the study of attachment in early childhood are provided.