Bonding vs Attachment
Even though both bonding and attachment highlight a connection between the infant and the primary caregiver, there is a slight difference between the two. In psychology, we speak of these two concepts broadly. Bonding can be defined as the attachment that the primary caregiver feels for the infant. On the other hand, an attachment can be defined as an emotional connection that develops between an infant and the primary caregiver. This highlights that there is a difference between these two concepts. This article attempts to emphasize the difference between bonding and attachment.
What is Bonding?
Bonding can be defined as the attachment that the primary caregiver feels for the infant. It is this attachment that makes the mother love the infant tremendously and fulfill all his needs. In this sense, it is task oriented. Psychologists state that this develops in the first week after the birth of the infant. Bonding is vital for the infant as it influences the child’s development. When the child experiences love and security, it increases the development of the infant. Bonding is a natural process. However, in cases where the infant has been adopted, this can take a while.
Bonding develops after a baby is born
What is Attachment?
Attachment is an emotional connection that develops between an infant and the primary caregiver. Attachment plays a key role in the development of an infant as it is the first attachment that the infant creates. According to psychologists, this development tends to be physical, cognitive, and psychological. Psychologists believe that it is based on this attachment that the infant views the world and that it can affect all his relationships with others in the future.
If both the emotional needs and physical needs of the child have been met in abundance, this creates a healthy attachment. Such an infant has love, care, the attention of the mother that influences his future attachments. In development psychology, it is stated that the attachment of the mother and the child develops even before birth. The child becomes accustomed to the mother such as her voice, her moods, etc. After the birth of the child, this attachment develops between the infant and the mother.
When speaking of attachment, there are two types. They are,
- Secure Attachment
- Insecure attachment
An infant in a secure attachment feels secure, and this lays a good foundation for his development. However, an infant in an insecure attachment finds himself where he has issues in trusting, understanding, and faces difficulties in relationships in future life.
Attachment begins prior to the birth of the infant
What is the difference between Bonding and Attachment?
• Definitions of Bonding and Attachment:
• Bonding can be defined as the attachment that the primary caregiver feels for the infant.
• Attachment can be defined as an emotional connection that develops between an infant and the primary caregiver.
• Start:
• Bonding takes place in the first week from the birth of the infant.
• Attachment begins prior to the birth of the infant.
• Type of Connection:
• Bonding is the feeling initiated by the primary caregiver.
• In attachment, it is both the infant and the caregiver.
• Nature:
• Bonding involves taking care of the needs of the infant.
• Attachment is more emotional.
Images Courtesy:
- Mother and infant by
- Pregnant woman via Pixabay (Public Domain)
