John Bowlby

John Bowlby

John Bowlby (26 February 1907 – 2 September 1990) was a British psychologist, psychiatrist, and psychoanalyst, notable for his interest in child development and for his pioneering work in the development of attachment theory. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the field of developmental psychology.

Early Life and Education

John Bowlby was born in London, England, into an upper-middle-class family. He was the fourth of six children. Bowlby was educated at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth and later attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied pre-clinical sciences. He then went on to study medicine at University College Hospital in London.

Career

Bowlby's career began in the 1930s when he worked at the London Child Guidance Clinic. His experiences there, particularly with children who had been separated from their families, led him to develop an interest in the effects of early separation on child development. During World War II, Bowlby served in the Royal Army Medical Corps and worked with children who had been evacuated from their homes.

After the war, Bowlby worked at the Tavistock Clinic in London, where he continued his research on child development. His work was heavily influenced by his collaboration with Mary Ainsworth, who conducted empirical studies that supported and expanded upon his theories.

Attachment Theory

Bowlby's most significant contribution to psychology is his development of attachment theory. This theory posits that children are biologically predisposed to develop attachments to caregivers as a means of survival. Bowlby identified four phases of attachment development: pre-attachment, attachment-in-the-making, clear-cut attachment, and formation of reciprocal relationships.

Attachment theory has had a profound impact on the understanding of child development and has influenced practices in childcare, education, and mental health.

Major Works

Some of Bowlby's most influential works include:

• Attachment and Loss (1969-1980) - A trilogy that outlines his attachment theory.
• Maternal Care and Mental Health (1951) - A report for the World Health Organization that emphasized the importance of a child's relationship with their mother.

Legacy

John Bowlby's work has left a lasting legacy in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and social work. His theories continue to be a foundation for research and practice in understanding the importance of early relationships in human development.

See Also

• Attachment in children
• Mary Ainsworth
• Developmental psychology
• Tavistock Clinic