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The importance of touch in the development of attachment

Lenora Duhn1

  • 1Kingston General Hospital, Ontario, Canada. duhnl@kgh.kari.net

Advances in Neonatal Care : Official Journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses
|November 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Human nurturing touch is essential for infant development and secure attachment. This study explores how touch facilitates the caregiver-child bond, expanding on attachment theory.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Infant Care
  • Attachment Theory

Background:

  • John Bowlby's Attachment Theory emphasizes caregiver-child bonding.
  • Previous research has focused on secure attachment but overlooked the role of touch.
  • Attachment theory has limitations in explaining the impact of human touch on development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the critical role of human nurturing touch in infant development.
  • To investigate how touch facilitates secure attachment between infant and caregiver.
  • To expand understanding beyond traditional attachment theory by focusing on tactile interaction.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on attachment theory and infant development.
  • Analysis of existing research on the impact of physical contact.
  • Exploration of the concept of nurturing touch in early childhood.

Main Results:

  • Human touch is a significant factor in fostering secure attachment.
  • Nurturing touch plays an essential role in the infant's social and emotional development.
  • The quality of touch influences the strength and security of the caregiver-child bond.

Conclusions:

  • Human nurturing touch is fundamental for healthy infant development and secure attachment.
  • Attachment theory should incorporate a deeper understanding of the role of physical touch.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms through which touch impacts infant well-being.

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