What role do social releases play in connection to Bowlby’s attachment theory?

Social releases refer to specific behaviors displayed by infants, such as smiling, cooing, or reaching out to a caregiver. According to Bowlby’s attachment theory, these behaviors are crucial because they serve as signals that elicit caregiving behaviors from adults. They are designed to capture the attention of the caregiver and promote closeness, ensuring that the child's needs for safety and security are met.

By facilitating interaction between the infant and the caregiver, social releases strengthen the emotional bond, reinforcing attachment relationships. This ongoing interaction supports the child's emotional development and establishes a foundation for future relationships. Thus, these behaviors are not just strategies for attention; they play an essential role in building and maintaining the attachment bond that Franklin describes in Bowlby’s work.