4 months

Perceptual discrimination, visual tracking of mother

Smiles and vocalizes more with mother than anyone else; shows distress at separation

9 months

Separation anxiety; stranger anxiety

Cries when mother leaves; clings at appearance of strangers

2-3 years

Intensity and frequency of attachment behavior remain constant

Notices impending departure, indicating a better understanding of surrounding world

3-4 years

Growing confidence, tendency to feel secure in a strange place with subordinate attachment figures (relatives)

Begins to accept mother’s temporary absence; plays with other children

4-10 years

Less-intense attachment behavior, but still strong

May hold parent’s hand while walking; anything unexpected causes child to turn to parent

Adolescence

Weakening attachment to parents; peers and other adults become important

Becomes attached to groups and group members

Adult

Attachment bond still discernible

In troubled times, adults turn to trusted friends; elderly direct attention toward younger generation

Source: Adapted from Bowlby, J. (1982). Attachment and loss. Am J Orthopsychiatry 52:664-678. Reprinted with permission from the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. Copyright © 1982 by the American Orthopsychiatry Association, Inc.