The ability of an infant to form healthy, secure attachments to caregivers has the most direct influence on the later development of:

The ability of an infant to form healthy, secure attachments to caregivers significantly influences social skills development. Secure attachment provides a foundation for infants to learn trust and emotional safety, which fosters their interactions with others. This secure base allows children to explore their environment and develop relationships, crucial aspects of social skill acquisition. These early experiences shape the way they perceive social situations and relate to peers, which ultimately contributes to their ability to communicate and interact effectively with others throughout their lives.

While the other aspects—emotion regulation, cognitive development, and language acquisition—also benefit from secure attachment, the direct impact on social skills is profoundly linked to how securely attached children learn to navigate social environments and develop relationships. Securely attached children are more likely to engage positively with others, making them more adept at forming friendships and understanding social cues. Thus, the role of secure attachment is vital in shaping the framework for developing social skills in later stages of life.