Attachment Flashcards
What is Attachment?
A strong emotional bond with another person, typically between an infant and their primary caregiver. It serves to provide the child with a sense of security.
What are the Types of Attachment according to Ainsworth?
- Secure Attachment: Infant seeks proximity to the caregiver, uses them as a secure base, and is distressed when separated but happy upon reunion.
- Insecure-Avoidant Attachment: Infant does not seek proximity, avoids caregiver, and shows little emotion upon separation or reunion.
- Insecure-Resistant Attachment: Infant seeks closeness but is resistant to comfort, showing anxiety and anger during separation and reunion.
What is The Strange Situation?
A controlled observation in a lab where an infant is exposed to a series of separations and reunions with their caregiver, along with the presence of a stranger.
Findings: 66% secure, 22% insecure-avoidant, 12% insecure-resistant.
What are the Evaluations of the Strange Situation?
Strengths: 1. Standardized: Highly controlled environment, replicable. 2. Predictive Validity: Secure attachment predicts better outcomes in later life.
Weaknesses: 1. Cultural Bias: Different cultures may have different norms about attachment. 2. Ethical Issues: The procedure can cause distress to the infants.
What are the key components of Bowlby’s Theory of Attachment?
- Monotropy: One attachment figure is central to the child’s development. 2. Internal Working Model: A mental representation of relationships influencing future attachments. 3. Sensitive Period: A critical period for attachment formation (usually within the first 2 years). 4. Continuity Hypothesis: Early attachment experiences influence later development.
What are the Evaluations of Bowlby’s Theory?
Strengths: 1. Support from Research: Studies like Lorenz’s and Harlow’s support Bowlby’s ideas. 2. Real-world Applications: Improvements in childcare and adoption practices.
Weaknesses: 1. Deterministic: Overemphasis on early attachment. 2. Lack of Evidence for Monotropy: Some argue for multiple significant attachments.
What are Schaffer and Emerson’s Stages of Attachment?
- Asocial Stage (0-6 weeks): Babies respond to all stimuli but show no preference. 2. Indiscriminate Stage (6 weeks - 7 months): Preference for familiar people. 3. Specific Attachment (7-9 months): Primary attachment to one caregiver. 4. Multiple Attachments (10+ months): Multiple attachments to significant caregivers.
What are the Evaluations of Schaffer and Emerson’s Stages of Attachment?
Strengths: 1. Supportive Evidence: Similar stages across cultures. 2. Real-life Applications: Informs parenting strategies.
Weaknesses: 1. Cultural Bias: Conducted in 1960s Glasgow. 2. Lack of Focus on the Role of Fathers: Emphasis on mothers as primary attachment figures.
What is the Role of Fathers in Attachment?
Traditional View: Fathers as secondary attachment figures focused on play. Current View: Fathers can be primary caregivers and play important roles in emotional development.
Key Studies: Grossman et al. (2002) and Field (1978).
What are the Evaluations of the Role of Fathers?
Strengths: 1. Evolving Views: Evidence supports fathers as primary attachment figures. 2. Real-life Applications: Positive outcomes for fathers and children.
Weaknesses: 1. Unclear Evidence: Research inconclusive on fathers’ role compared to mothers.
What is the Impact of Attachment on Later Development?
Secure Attachment: Predicts positive outcomes in emotional regulation, social relationships, and academic success. Insecure Attachment: Linked to difficulties in relationships and mental health problems.
What is the Disruption of Attachment?
Separation: Short-term absence of the caregiver. Deprivation: Loss of the caregiver, leading to long-term consequences.
Bowlby’s 44 Thieves Study and Rutter (1981) findings.
What are the Evaluations of Disruption of Attachment?
Strengths: Highlights importance of stable attachments for child development. Weaknesses: 1. Methodological Issues: Small sample size in Bowlby’s study. 2. Ethical Concerns: Potential distress to children involved.
How does Attachment influence Later Relationships?
Internal Working Model: Positive early attachments form the basis for future relationships. Hazan and Shaver (1987): Attachment styles in childhood linked to adult romantic relationships.
What are the Evaluations of the Influence of Attachment on Later Relationships?
Strengths: Supporting Evidence: Studies demonstrate continuity of attachment into adulthood. Weaknesses: 1. Correlational Data: Cannot establish cause and effect. 2. Overemphasis on Early Experiences: Other factors may also play a role.
