Patterns of a child’s behavior directed toward the caregiver in order to achieve physical and psychological safety. In attachment theory this describes the particular emotional relationship a child forms with a caregiver, within which the child seeks comfort and security from the caregiver. It helps with a child’s survival at biological and psychological levels and informs an infant’s brain development. It can be impacted by child factors (e.g illness), parent factors (e.g. abuse) and environmental factors (e.g stress).