During the later part of this period, children begin to use attachment figures (familiar people) as a secure base to explore from and return to.

Interviews may be conducted with the child and also with the attachment figure.

Empirical literature shows that children need regular interaction with attachment figures in order to maintain relationships.

Fathers or any other individuals, are equally likely to become principal attachment figures if they provide most of the child care and related social interaction.

These figures are arranged hierarchically, with the principal attachment figure at the top.

"Anxiety" is the anticipation or fear of being cut off from the attachment figure.

By age three or four, physical separation is no longer such a threat to the child's bond with the attachment figure.

In securely attached babies, the baby's attachment figure is an effective secure base from them.

Studies have found that the father is a child's preferred attachment figure in approximately 5-20% of cases.

The mother or other primary attachment figure plays a critical role in helping the infant with this developmental process.