Attachment refers to the close emotional bond of affection that develops between infants and their parents or caregivers. According to Erik Erikson, the first year of life is crucial for attachment development, representing the stage of developing trust or mistrust. A sense of trust is built on physical comfort, creating an expectation of the world as a secure and good place.

Responsive and sensitive parenting plays a vital role in developing secure attachment. When parents are sensitive, affectionate, and accepting, it provides infants with a strong base to explore their environment. Such infants are likely to develop a secure attachment. Conversely, if parents are insensitive and find fault with the child, it can lead to creating feelings of self-doubt in the child.

The classic study by Harlow and Harlow demonstrated that contact-comfort is more important for attachment than nourishment. Baby monkeys preferred the cloth mother over the wire mother regardless of which one fed them, showing that emotional connection matters more than just physical care.

In daily life, we often see young children having a strong attachment to a favourite toy or blanket. Though children know these objects are not their mother, they provide comfort. As children grow and become more sure of themselves, they naturally abandon these objects.

When separated from parents, children cry or show distress, and on being reunited, they reciprocate with smiles or hugs. These early attachment bonds have long-term effects on how individuals perceive themselves and relate to others throughout their lives.