Attachment

Question 1

Discuss the emergence of attachment theory.

Answer 1

• Attachment theory emerged from a combination of psychoanalysis, World War II research, and ethology.
• Freud’s psychoanalytic theory emphasized early childhood relationships but linked attachment primarily to feeding.
• John Bowlby, during and after World War II, observed emotional distress in orphaned children.
• This led him to challenge Freud’s ideas and explore a biological basis for attachment.
• Bowlby was influenced by ethologists:
  
  • Konrad Lorenz (imprinting in geese) demonstrated innate attachment behaviors.
  • Harry Harlow (monkey experiments) showed that emotional security is more important than nourishment.
• Bowlby proposed that attachment is an innate survival mechanism, not just a learned behavior.
• Mary Ainsworth later expanded his work, shaping modern attachment theory.

Question 2

Define affectionate bond.

Answer 2

Following on from the work of Bowlby, Ainsworth described it as ‘a relatively long-enduring tie in which the partner is important as a unique individual and is interchangeable with none other.

Question 3

Define attachment.

Answer 3

A sub-variety of affectional bond in which the central figure is experienced as a safe base from which to explore the world

Question 4

Define attachment behaviours.

Answer 4

The collection of (probably) instinctive behaviours of one person
toward another that brings about or maintains proximity and caregiving; behaviours that reflect an
attachment

Question 5

Examples of attachment behaviours.

Answer 5

1. Seeking Proximity 🏃‍♂️👩‍👦
   A child follows their caregiver around the room.
   Crawling or walking toward the caregiver when feeling scared or insecure.
2. Separation Anxiety 😢🚪
   Crying or becoming distressed when the caregiver leaves.
   Clinging to the caregiver before separation (e.g., at daycare drop-off).
3. Safe Haven Behavior 🛡️💙
   Running to the caregiver for comfort when frightened.
   Hugging or seeking physical touch after experiencing distress.
4. Secure Base Behavior 🏠👶
   Using the caregiver as a secure base to explore the environment.
   Checking back with the caregiver periodically while playing.
5. Stranger Anxiety 😨👤
   Showing fear or wariness around unfamiliar people.
   Clinging to the caregiver in the presence of strangers.

Question 6

State the characteristics of Insecure Disorganised/Disoriented (‘Type D’).

Answer 6

• No clear strategy for handling separation and reunion with the caregiver.
• Displays contradictory behaviors, such as approaching the caregiver while avoiding eye contact.
• Combination of attachment styles, as the infant is also classified under one of the original attachment categories (secure, avoidant, or resistant) that has become disorganized.
• Often linked to maltreatment, neglect, or frightening caregiving experiences.
  This attachment style was later identified by Mary Main and Judith Solomon as an extension of Ainsworth’s original three attachment styles (secure, avoidant, and resistant).