Attachment Flashcards
not fail psych
Definition of reciprocity
Both caregiver and baby respond to each other’s signal’s which elicits a response from the other. E.g. A toddler having a conversation that includes waiting listening and responding with their parent.
Definition of interactional synchrony
The caregiver and the baby reflect both the actions and emotions of the other and do this in a co-ordinated (synchronised) way. E.g. a baby copying the faces their mother makes at them.
Why is reciprocity important for attachment?
It forms the basis of the attachment between caregiver and infant as well as acting as a precursor to communication
Why is interactional sychrony important for attachment?
It allows the caregiver to be emotionally attuned to their child through nonverbal behaviours which improves attachment as well as providing a basis for empathy.
Definition of stages of attachment
A sequence of qualitatively different behaviours which link to specific ages. All babies go through them in the same order.
Definition of multiple attachment
Attachments to two or more people, often developed by babies after one strong attachment has been formed to one of their carers.
When is the asocial stage?
1st stage, first few weeks of life
When is the indiscriminate attachment stage?
2nd stage, from 2 to 7 months
When is the specific attachment stage?
3rd stage, from around 7 months
When is the multiple attachment stage?
4th stage, shortly after first attachment
What behaviours are exhibited in the asocial stage? (3)
- similar towards inanimate objects and people
- signs of preference towards people over objects
- preference towards familiar people and more easily comforted by them
What behaviours are exhibited in the indiscriminate attachment stage? (5)
- more obvious observable social behaviours
- clear preference for people over objects
- recognising and preferring familiar people
- accept cuddles and comfort from anyone
- no separation or stranger anxiety
What behaviours are exhibited in the specific attachment stage? (3)
- anxiety towards strangers, especially without attachment figure
- anxiety when separated from attachment figure
- specific attachment to a primary attachment figure
What behaviours are exhibited in multiple attachment phase?
They extend their attachment behaviour to multiple people who they regularly spent time with called secondary attachments.
4 details of Schaffer and Emersons stages of attachment study
- 60 babies (mostly even gender split)
- conducted visits to babies and mothers in their own home
- visited every month for the first year then again at 18 months
- Working class mothers from Glasgow 1960s
Definition of proximity
People try to stay physically close to those they are attached to
Definition of separation anxiety
People are distressed when an attachment figure leaves their presence
Definition of secure-base behaviour
Even when we are independent, we tend to make regular contact with our attachment figures. We regularly return to them while playing so they are a base from which to explore.
Definition of stranger anxiety
The infant is distressed when in close proximity to strangers.
Definition of reunion behaviour
the infant shows pleasure when reunited with the attachment figure.
3 details of Meltzoff and Moore interactional synchrony study
- observed infants as young as two weeks old
- one of three distinct expressions were displayed by the adult
- infant’s response was filmed and identified by independent observers who were unaware of the aim
Results of Melzoff and Moore’s study (3 points)
- An association was found between the expression or gesture the adult had displayed and the actions of the babies.
- the behaviour was innate as they did the study on three-day old babies
- Melzoff suggested interactional synchrony is used to acquire an understanding of what other people are thinking and feeling for social relationships.
Strength of Melzoff and Moore (SE)
Isabella et al high levels of synchrony were associated with better quality of mother-infant attachment.
Strength of Melzoff and Moore (RM x2 )
- Prevented investigator effects with independent observers.
- Controlled the independent variable with operationalised behavioural categories
Weaknesses of Melzoff and Moore x2
- Socially sensitive with consequences for working mothers
- Can’t work out why it occurred or if it was a involuntary movement
Between 25-32 weeks (6-8 months) how many babies showed separation anxiety and reunion behaviour towards a particular adult?
About 50%
What did Schaffer and Emersons study find about reciprocity?
Attachment tended to be to the caregiver who was most interactive and sensitive to the infants’ signals and facial expression (reciprocity).
What % of babies’ first specific attachment was to the mother?
65%