Attachment

Question 1

What are Schaffer’s 4 stages of attachment and describe their features?

Answer 1

1. pre-attachment (asocial) - (birth to 3 months), behaviour towards non-human objects is similar then infants show preference to humans over other objects
2. indiscriminate - (3-7 months), will accept comfort from any adult, no stranger or separation anxiety
3. discriminate/specific - (7 months onwards), infants will show separation and stranger anxiety, specific attachment develops
4. multiple attachments - 9 months onwards, other attachments will form with other major caregivers such as father, siblings etc. These are secondary attachments

Question 2

Name a study that supports Schaffer’s stages of attachment

Answer 2

Schaffer and Emerson found that the majority of infants did become attached to their mothers first around 7 months and then a few weeks/months later their secondary attachment formed to other family members. 75% of infants they studied had an attachment with their father by 18 months.

Question 3

Difference between deprivation and privation?

Answer 3

Deprivation = attachment has formed and disruption has occurred e.g., primary caregiver is present but unable to provide care
Privation = absence of attachment, child never formed an attachment

Question 4

What is affectionless psychopathy?

Answer 4

Effect of maternal deprivation proposed by Bowlby, the inability to form close bonds with anyone, show any real consideration for others or appreciate the needs and feelings of other people. Sufferers fail to develop a conscience or feelings of guilt, tend to be persistent liars, thieves or psychopaths.

Question 5

Define attachment (2 marks)

Answer 5

Attachment is an enduring, two-way bond to a specific other person characterised by a strong desire to maintain proximity to that person and by distress when separated from them.

Question 6

Explain what is meant by a critical period (2 marks)

Answer 6

critical period was proposed first by Bowlby, as he said if a child doesn’t form an attachment before the age of two and a half years, then an attachment would never occur. The actual critical period would be between 6 months until 2.5 years of age.

Question 7

Explain what is meant by an internal working model (2 marks)

Answer 7

an internal working model is a mental representation of our relationship with our primary caregiver on which our later relationships are based. It becomes a form of template for future relationships as it forms expectations and a guide for behaviour.