Final answer:
Caregiver insensitivity, inattentiveness, inconsistent responses, and childhood abuse are primary factors that interfere with the formation of secure attachment, while caregiver sensitivity and providing a secure base are essential for healthy attachment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Interfering with the Formation of Secure Attachment
Secure attachment is a vital aspect of the emotional and social development of a child. Factors that interfere with the formation of a secure attachment include a caregiver's insensitivity and inattentiveness, inconsistent response levels from caregivers, and abuse which disrupts the child's ability to regulate emotions. According to research by Ainsworth and colleagues, securely attached children have caregivers who are sensitive and responsive to their needs. Conversely, with avoidant attachment, the child has likely experienced a caregiver who is insensitive. In resistant attachment, the inconsistent caregiver responses lead to clinginess and difficulty comforting the child. Finally, disorganized attachment, which often occurs in abused children, results in erratic or odd behaviors upon the caregiver's return.
John Bowlby's attachment theory further emphasizes the importance of a caregiver providing a secure base, responding to the child's needs, and engaging in mutually enjoyable interactions. Harlow's studies with monkeys illustrate that comfort and security provided by caregivers are more essential to attachment than nourishment.
While temperament and cultural factors can also influence attachment style, Ainsworth's Strange Situation experiment reveals the clear impact of caregiver responsiveness on attachment outcomes.