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Self Attachment Analysis

Decent Essays

A comprehensive aptitude of self-regulation, empathy, independence and resilience is crucial to establishing high emotional literacy (Andrew, 2015, p.359). Based “on a large and diverse range of experiences”, such social and emotional understanding is fundamental in developing a secure base and resilient sense of self-concept; with emotional connection strategic in overcoming adversity (Andrew, 2015; Dowling, 2014). Such emotional capacity to regulate feelings is strongly influenced through primary attachments, with children often mirroring observed behaviours, whether positive or negative (Dowling, 2014). Thus, early experiences of a supportive family environment, endorsing the expression and discussion of emotions, positively promotes self-assertion …show more content…

In effect, while familiar settings maintain confidence and self-esteem due to a secure base, trauma can stimulate multifaceted and overwhelming feelings (Dowling, 2014). Such adversity is not restricted to low socio-economic status, but includes experiences applicable to Mitcham Primary, such as transitioning to a new classroom, parent separation, or mourning the loss of a loved one (Miller-Lewis, Searle, Sawyer, Baghurst & Hedley, 2013). Such hardship “affects [children’s] ability to learn”, highlighting the importance of an educator’s role in fostering resilience and meeting the individual needs of each child (Dowling, 2014, p.110). This includes “nurturing emotional growth” through strategies of role-modelling and labelling feelings; accordingly promoting healthy regulation through speech and expression (Dowling, 2014, p.115; Wright, 2010). This is strongly displayed by Mitcham Primary’s teachers in their consistent application of class discussions regarding emotional intelligence. Subsequently, the criteria of secure relationships, empathy, self-regulation, and socio-emotional wellbeing is commendably achieved according to the Australian curriculums ‘Personal, Social and Community Health’ and ‘Early Development Census’ …show more content…

al. 2013). Notably, secure attachment is advantageous for children confronting diverse levels of hardship, with early involvement of a secure base and self-regulation skills inspiring resiliency. Wright (2010) similarly highlights this vital “…role of both autonomy and connectedness in…psychological development” (par.46). Consequently, endorsement of social and emotional health, as demonstrated by Mitcham Primary through innovative pedagogy and reciprocal relationships, is vital for high self-esteem and confidence (Observation Scales Overview). This addresses the paramount principles of “emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, [and] resilience”, as defined by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF website, p.22). The value of strong attachment in stimulating self-concept and emotional intelligence is further endorsed by the theory ‘circle of security’; which interrelates emotional neuroscience with the attachment theory, and further highlights the importance of a safe and secure base to promote emotional intelligence

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