Learning Objective
Describe Bowlby’s stages of attachment and the behavioral responses of children to separation, and apply this understanding to recognize normal versus maladaptive reactions to caregiver absence.
Attachment and Loss in Children
Protest
- Short-term separation (up to 2 weeks)
- Crying, screaming, clinging when parents leave
- Anger toward the parent upon return
Despair
- After the protest ends, during continued separation
- Child appears calmer but withdrawn
- Despondency, sadness, disinterest
Detachment / Denial
- Prolonged separation
- The child begins engaging with others, but rejects the caregiver
- Indifference or anger upon the caregiver’s return
Activity
Key Concept: Children are biologically predisposed to attach to caregivers; prolonged separation can result in maladaptive behavioral and emotional changes.
