What is the first sequence of attachment according to Schaffer and Emerson?

The first sequence of attachment according to Schaffer and Emerson is asocial attachment, which occurs during the initial weeks of an infant's life. During this stage, infants exhibit a general preference for human interaction but do not show a strong attachment to any specific individual. They may respond positively to social stimuli, like smiling faces, but these reactions are not consistent or directed towards specific caregivers.

Asocial attachment is significant because it establishes the foundation for later stages of attachment development. It highlights that, in the very early days, babies are still developing their ability to recognize and bond with familiar faces, which is essential for forming deeper emotional connections as they grow.

Other attachment phases follow as the child develops, including indiscriminate attachments, which occur when infants begin to show a preference for any caregiver, and specific attachment, where they bond closely with a primary caregiver. Multiple attachments emerge later as the child learns to form bonds with several caregivers. Understanding this sequence sheds light on the process of emotional and social development in children.