Building Secure Relationships: A Review of the Literature on the Importance of Parent-Child Attachment in Early Life

Lidia  Wiliyani; Reni Ester  Berutu; Srininta Oktapia  S; Ester Gustina Wati  Sihotang

Lidia Wiliyani IAKN Tarutung, Indonesia, 22452
Reni Ester Berutu IAKN Tarutung, Indonesia, 22452
Srininta Oktapia S IAKN Tarutung, Indonesia, 22452
Ester Gustina Wati Sihotang IAKN Tarutung, Indonesia, 22452

Keywords: Child development, Parent-child relationship, Literature review

Abstract

Attachment between parents and children is an important foundation in a child's early development. Recent research has highlighted how important this attachment is in shaping healthy relationships and having a lasting impact on children's development. In this context, a review of the literature is important to thoroughly understand the concept of parent-child attachment in early life. A literature review methodology was used in this study to collect and evaluate recent research findings related to early life parent-child attachment. This approach allows for a comprehensive investigation into various aspects of attachment, including its effects on children's emotional, social and cognitive development. In conducting this literature review, we found that parent-child attachment in early life forms an important foundation for children's development in many ways. Research shows that secure attachment provides the child with a sense of security and comfort needed to explore the world around him or her with confidence. It also forms the basis for the development of social skills, empathy and emotional regulation essential for healthy social interactions later in life. In addition, our literature review highlighted factors that contribute to the formation of secure parent-child attachment. These include parental responsiveness to children's needs and emotions, warmth in parent-child interactions, and consistency in providing emotional support. In addition, we evaluated the impact of the family's social and economic environment and the influence of the child's internal factors, such as temperament, on attachment. The results of this literature review provide valuable insights into the importance of parent-child attachment in early life. By understanding and supporting the formation of secure attachments, parents and practitioners can play a role in ensuring that children have a solid foundation for optimal growth and development. In addition, the implications of these findings are also relevant in the context of interventions and policies to improve the quality of parent-child relationships in society at large

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