According to Ainsworth, what is a key benefit of attachment?

A key benefit of attachment, particularly as researched by Mary Ainsworth, is its role in survival. Ainsworth's work emphasized the importance of a secure attachment between a child and their caregiver, which fosters a sense of safety and protection in early development. A secure attachment ensures that the child feels safe exploring their environment, leading to healthy emotional and social development.

This survival aspect is fundamental because a strong attachment encourages the child to seek comfort and protection when threatened, which is critical in the early stages of life when they are most vulnerable. The attachment system motivates a child to remain close to a caregiver, ensuring they receive care and support necessary for survival, growth, and development. Thus, while emotional support and social interaction are important, and they can stem from secure attachment, the foundational survival benefit underscores the essential nature of these early bonds in human development.