The Eighth Month

Abstract

Abstract This chapter describes the development of the infant in the eighth month of life. In the eighth month, the author’s son is showing signs of separation anxiety for the very first time, clinging to his mom and dad in new or unfamiliar environments. The author points out that separation anxiety is generally taken as one of the first signs of attachment. She goes on to describe attachment and research on different attachment qualities between an infant and his or her caregiver. She discusses the factors that lead to an insecure attachment style, with a focus on the effect of institutionalization on children’s attachment.