Attachment, Occupation, and Identity: Considerations in Infancy

This paper discusses the relationship of attachment, attachment behavior, occupation, and co-occupation in early childhood development. It explores the inextricable relationship among these concepts and the agency of the infant in affecting the infant-mother dyadic relationship. The reciprocity of intersubjectivity and its component parts of attunement, joined attention, and joined intention in the infant-mother dyad are discussed in light of the concept of co-occupation. Internal working models, which are the product of attachment, are discussed as a correlate to personal identity which, in turn, is thought of as being shaped by occupation. The importance of a secure attachment and, conversely, the problems with insecure attachment are considered. Relevance to occupational science and future directions for exploration and research are reviewed.