Physical closeness and warmth, particularly from a caregiver, provide a critical foundation for emotional regulation and attachment.

Examples:

• Children who can self-soothe often have mothers who are warmer and more responsive.
• Unpredictable or dismissive caregiving leads to emotional dysregulation, as seen in angry or detached children.
• Physical contact, such as holding or cuddling, helps foster emotional stability and security in children.

Where does this idea come from?

• Maternal Attachment theoryMaternal Attachment theoryThe quality of early connections to loved ones, especially maternal figures, plays a critical role in shaping personality, emotional regulation, and habitual ways of connecting with others. Examples: * Children with warmer, more responsive mothers tend to develop better self-regulation and emotional stability. * Children with colder, dismissive, or unpredictable mothers may become detached, angry, or struggle with emotional regulation. * Infant primates separated from their mothers grow into
• Behavioral psychology
• Harlow’s experiments with infant monkeys

What's similar to this idea?

• Emotional bonding through physical closeness
• The four behaviors that are basic to attachmentthe four behaviors that are basic to attachmentAttachment is characterized by behaviors that emphasize emotional and physical closeness, seeking comfort, and reliance on a partner for security and exploration. Examples: * Monitoring and maintaining emotional and physical closeness with a loved one. * Reaching out for comfort when feeling unsure, upset, or down. * Missing the person when apart. * Counting on the person to be there for support and security when facing challenges or exploring new opportunities. Where does this idea come fro

What's opposite of this idea?

• Emotionally detached caregiving
• Strict parenting without physical affection
• Relationships between Adults with "Controlled Emotions"Relationships between Adults with "Controlled Emotions"The notion that emotions in relationships should be suppressed or controlled, with dependency on others seen as a sign of weakness or dysfunction. Examples: * Viewing emotional dependence in relationships as unhealthy, labeling individuals as “enmeshed” or “codependent.” * Advocating for self-sufficiency and emotional restraint as key to maintaining healthy adult relationships. * Therapists encouraging individuals to avoid emotional reliance on their partners. Where does this idea come from?

Where does this idea lead to?

• Better emotional regulation in children
• Healthier attachment styles
• Improved capacity for forming relationships in adulthood

Status: #idea
Tags: attachment, parenting, The importance of touch and contactThe importance of touch and contactPhysical closeness and warmth, particularly from a caregiver, provide a critical foundation for emotional regulation and attachment. Examples: * Children who can self-soothe often have mothers who are warmer and more responsive. * Unpredictable or dismissive caregiving leads to emotional dysregulation, as seen in angry or detached children. * Physical contact, such as holding or cuddling, helps foster emotional stability and security in children. Where does this idea come from? * Maternal A, emotional regulation, relationships

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References

Maternal Attachment theoryMaternal Attachment theoryThe quality of early connections to loved ones, especially maternal figures, plays a critical role in shaping personality, emotional regulation, and habitual ways of connecting with others. Examples: * Children with warmer, more responsive mothers tend to develop better self-regulation and emotional stability. * Children with colder, dismissive, or unpredictable mothers may become detached, angry, or struggle with emotional regulation. * Infant primates separated from their mothers grow into
Harlow’s experiments on infant monkeys
Behavioral psychology studies