What is the first stage of Schaffer and Emerson's attachment theory?

The first stage of Schaffer and Emerson's attachment theory is the asocial stage. This stage occurs in the earliest weeks of an infant's life, typically from birth to around six weeks. During this period, infants show a general preference for human interaction but do not have a specific attachment to any one individual. They respond similarly to all caregivers and do not yet demonstrate a clear distinction between familiar and unfamiliar people.

The asocial stage is important because it sets the foundation for the development of more defined attachment behaviors. As infants grow, they begin to form attachments that are characterized by more specific responses to their primary caregivers, leading to the subsequent stages of attachment identified by Schaffer and Emerson. Understanding this initial asocial stage is crucial for comprehending how attachments progress and the significance of developing consistent interactions with caregivers for emotional and social development.