Child Care and the Growth of Love

by John Bowlby, Margery Fry, Mary D. Salter Ainsworth

In this third and final volume, Bowlby completes the trilogy Attachment and Loss, his work on the importance of the parental relationship to mental health and examines the ways in which young children respond to a temporary or permanent loss of a mother-figure and the expressions of anxiety, grief and mourning which accompany such loss.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Psychoanalysis, Parenting, Counselling

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

Psychologist, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, notable for his interest in child development and for his pioneering work in attachment theory.

Reviews

[Bionic Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child Care and the Growth of Love is an important seminal work by John Bowlby, the main British psychologist, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst responsible for developing attachment theory in the early 1950's. His work is based on Konrad Lorenz' work on imprinting in ducklings. Bowlby's thesis, similar to that of Freud, is that neglect in the early years of childhood (and specifically the first 2 years of life) has a profound effect on the development and mental health of the child. Such is the case, he demonstrates, even if the loss of the mother figure is only temporary.

John Bowlby postulated that mental health and behavioural problems could be attributed to early childhood, and specifically to maternal deprivation. His "Attachment and Loss" trilogy, of which this is the final part, form the basis of much modern-day thinking in psychotherapy.

[Nick Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This exploration of the relationship factors that are important in the early years of child development was fascinating. For two reasons. Firstly, the aspects of this book which are enduring (and still relevant these days) made for an enlightening and thought-provoking read that I found informative in terms of social policy and cognitive science. Secondly, the aspects which now feel/are dated (with respect to the fact this is a work of the early 1950s) make for an interesting near-historical read and an insight in to post-war views on the subject.

On the former, I found discussions of non-Western childcare models, child psychology and adaptability particularly interesting, as well as chapters about the sensible considerations of adoption and foster care. On the latter, discussions about illegitimacy and gender roles made for a stimulating read and one which forced me to consider my own views. This was an important area of research and policy and is a worthwhile read for those interested in the subject.

[David Lai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, seminal but extremely repetitious book on the effects of emotional deprivation on the development of children. Not really the kind of book that fits into a star-rating scheme, but I give it three, as it's clear and readable enough, though often tedious, especially the section on future research, which wasn't written by Bowlby.

[Stephen Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ths book shows how the lack of a close relationship with a caring adult in the first three years of life can cause a child to grow up unable to form close relationships, and to lack empathy for other people.

[Sarah Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this before reading any other book on attachment theory. Everything else grew from these original studies by Bowlby and Ainsworth (don't forget her!)

[Bliss R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although written many decades ago this book was still in parts thought-provoking to read and reflect on. John Bowlby best known for his work on attachment theory delves into maternal deprivation and notes how children who are separated from their mother during their first few years of life can develop mental health problems which can contibute to societal issues. Care of children in institutions is noted and the lack of social workers understanding of the effects of being deprived of maternal care as an infant is also mentioned. The book goes on to note the importance of further research being necessary as aspects of research are 'complex'. As a student studying Psychology this was an intriquing read from both an academic and historical view. Someparts were slightly dreary to read although considering the age of the book it is written in an easy to follow format.

[MarcM · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best! I wish I had found this book 30 years ago, just before my children were born.

I read all I could find, in order to prepare for being a parent, from Virginia Satir to much less helpful ones that gave all the wrong advice. This 1959 book would have told me all I needed to know, and my children would have benefited immensely.

It would also have saved me years in figuring out what was in the way of a happier life free of anxiety and depression, as I would have learned about attachment science 20 years before I finally did, which is what I needed to know about in order to make the changes that helped so much in my personal life.