Attatchment Development - Mahler's Stages

Question 1

Normal Autism (0-2 Months)

Answer 1

Child spends most time in sleep as if the intrauterine aloofness continues.

Question 2

Symbiosis (2-5 Months)

Answer 2

Inner and outer world studied via senses but perceives mother and self as one unit.

Question 3

Separation – individuation phase: (DPRO)

Differentiation sub-phase: (5 to 10m)

Answer 3

Slowly appreciates the difference between mother and self

Question 4

Separation – individuation phase: (DPRO)

Practicing sub-phase: (10 to 18 months)

Answer 4

A gradual increase in interest on the environment; practices exploration.

Question 5

Separation – individuation phase: (DPRO)

Rapprochement sub-phase: (18 to 24m)

Answer 5

Alternating drives to be autonomous and dependent.

Able to explore alone but requires comfort and reassurance on return.

Question 6

Separation – individuation phase: (DPRO)

Object constancy sub-phase: (2 to 5 years)

Answer 6

Understand that the mother will not be lost if temporarily away; hence able to function independently.