Attachment Theory and the Functioning of a Child in a Preschool Group

Attachment theory, initiated by British psychologist John Bowlby in the mid-20th century, is one of the most important models explaining emotional and social development in humans. According to Bowlby, the emotional bond that forms between a child and their primary caregiver (most often the mother) is crucial for the child’s further development. The attachment style that develops in the first years of life affects not only family relationships but also how the child functions in a broader social environment, such as a preschool group. In this article, we will examine how different attachment styles determine a child’s social interactions and educational process, based on the latest scientific research and practical observations from preschool life.

Attachment theory assumes that children are born with an innate need to form strong bonds with caregivers. These bonds provide them with security, emotional support, and a base for exploring the world. Mary Ainsworth, Bowlby’s collaborator, distinguished four main attachment styles: secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized. Each of these styles is characterized by a different way of responding to stress, building relationships, and managing emotions.

1. Secure Attachment Style

Children with a secure attachment style grow up in an environment where their emotional and physical needs are regularly met. Caregivers are available, respond to the child’s signals, and show affection and support. As a result, children learn that the world is predictable and safe, and that other people are trustworthy.

In a preschool group, these children are more open to social interactions, easily form relationships with peers and teachers, and are more willing to cooperate and share. Their ability to regulate emotions helps them cope better with stressful situations, such as separation from parents or conflicts with other children. Research shows that children with a secure attachment style are more likely to achieve educational success, and are more independent and creative.

2. Anxious-Ambivalent Attachment Style

Children with an anxious-ambivalent attachment style grow up in an environment where caregivers are inconsistent—sometimes responding to the child’s needs, and sometimes ignoring them. As a result, these children are unsure whether they can rely on adult support.

In preschool, these children may show excessive dependence on teachers and peers, often seeking approval and acceptance. They have difficulty making decisions independently, and are often insecure and anxious. They frequently struggle with emotion regulation, which can lead to adaptation problems in the preschool group, such as crying fits, withdrawal, or difficulty making friends.

3. Avoidant Attachment Style

Children with an avoidant attachment style grow up in an environment where their emotional needs are systematically ignored or downplayed. Caregivers may be cold, distant, or overly demanding.

In a preschool group, these children often appear independent, do not seek support from adults, and rarely show emotions. However, their independence is often superficial and stems from a lack of trust in their surroundings. They may have difficulty forming relationships, keep their distance from peers and teachers, and in stressful situations, withdraw or react with anger.

4. Disorganized Attachment Style

The most problematic is the disorganized attachment style, which often occurs in families where the child experiences violence, neglect, or other serious difficulties. Caregivers are unpredictable, sometimes even threatening.

Children with this attachment style show unpredictable emotional reactions, may be aggressive or withdrawn, and have difficulty building relationships and adapting to the group. They often display destructive behavior towards themselves and others, which negatively affects their functioning in preschool.

For many children, preschool is the first place where they experience life in a larger peer group outside the family. Here, they learn cooperation, conflict resolution, sharing, and how to deal with emotions in new situations. The attachment style with which a child enters preschool has a significant impact on how they cope with this new reality.

Children with a secure attachment style adapt more quickly to new conditions, willingly participate in group activities, know how to ask for help, and express their needs. They are more resilient to stress related to separation from parents, make friends more easily, and handle conflicts better.

On the other hand, children with other attachment styles may have difficulty adapting, and more often experience anxiety, insecurity, or frustration. They need more support from teachers to feel safe and find their place in the group.

Although attachment style is shaped mainly in the first years of life, it is not unchangeable. Parents, caregivers, and teachers can actively support the development of a secure attachment style by:

• Emotional availability – Regularly showing affection, responding to the child’s needs, and providing a sense of security. A child who feels loved and accepted builds trust in others more easily.

• Consistent response to needs – Appropriately responding to the child’s signals, both emotional and physical. It is important for the child to know they can count on adult support in any situation.

• Quality of interaction – Spending time together in shared activities, conversations, and play. Reading books together, doing puzzles, or building with blocks are not only fun but also opportunities to build a bond.

• Developing self-regulation skills – Helping the child learn to cope with emotions through conversations, breathing techniques, and joint strategies for dealing with stress. It is worth teaching the child to name emotions and find constructive ways to express them.

• Avoiding excessive control – Children should have space to explore and make decisions, which strengthens their sense of competence and independence. Excessive control can lead to anxiety and lack of self-confidence.

• Building positive communication – Encouraging the child to express their feelings and thoughts, and actively listening without judgment. It is important for the child to feel heard and understood.

Preschool teachers play a very important role in a child’s life, especially if the child does not always receive adequate support at home. A warm, empathetic, and consistent teacher can help the child build a sense of security and trust in adults. It is important for teachers to be aware of different attachment styles and to be able to adapt their actions to the individual needs of children.

In practice, this means understanding the child’s difficult emotions, providing support in conflict situations, encouraging cooperation, and building positive relationships with peers. A teacher who creates an atmosphere of acceptance and security can significantly influence the social and emotional development of their pupils.

Attachment style affects not only social relationships but also a child’s readiness to learn. Children with a secure attachment style show greater cognitive curiosity and a desire to explore. Their ability to self-regulate emotionally helps them cope better with educational challenges, and they are more persistent and open to new experiences.

In contrast, children with insecure attachment styles may have difficulty concentrating, lose motivation quickly, and fear of failure may hinder their cognitive development. That is why it is so important for both parents and teachers to focus on building a secure bond with the child, supporting their emotional and social development, and encouraging them to take on new challenges.

Attachment theory provides valuable guidance on how to support a child’s development at home and in preschool. The attachment style that forms in the first years of life has a significant impact on a child’s functioning in a peer group, their readiness to learn, and their overall sense of security. Supporting the development of secure attachment is an investment in the child’s future—their mental health, educational success, and ability to build satisfying relationships with others.

It is worth remembering that every adult—parent, caregiver, or teacher—has a real influence on shaping a child’s attachment style. Through daily, even small gestures, conversations, and shared experiences, we can help a child become a confident, open, and challenge-ready person.