Attachment Flashcards
Critical period
Biologically determined period of time, during which certain characteristics can develop. Outside, such development will not be possible
Internal working model
Mental representation enables individuals to predict and control their environment. Model relates to a persons expectations about relationships
Social releasers
Social behaviour or characteristic that elicits care giving and leads to attachment
Animal study of attachment
Lorenz’s studying the effect of imprinting
Procedure of Lorenz
- Lorenz took gosling eggs and divided them into two groups
- one group left with mother whilst others were placed in an incubator
- when eggs hatched, first thing they say was him, soon started following him around
- both group were marked and placed together
Findings for Lorenz
- Gosling quickly divided them selves up, 1 following mother and other lorenz
- Imprinting
- lorenz identified a critical period in which imprinting needs to take place
- depending on the species this could be as brief as two hours after hatching
- if this does not occur Lorenz found chick didn’t attach themselves to a mother figure
What’s imprinting
To develop a strong bond with the mother which a takes place during a specific time in development, first few hours after birth/hatching
Bowlby’s monotropic theory
Indicates that one particular attachment is different from all other ones and of central importance to a child’s development
Reciprocity
2 people interact, mother-infant interaction both respond to each other’s signals and elicits responses
Interactional synchrony
Mother and infant reflect both the actions and emotions of the other and of this sync
Multiple attachments
Attachments to 2 or more people, most babies develop after they’ve formed one true attachment
Stages of attachment
Theory of characteristics of infants behaviour towards others as infants get older
Animal studies
Studies carried out on animals rather than humans
Learning theory
Theories from behaviourist approach to psychology, explanation for learning includes classical and operant conditioning
Internal working model
Mental representation carried out with us of our attachment to our primary caregiver, important in affecting our future relationships
Strange situation
Controlled observation designed to test attachment security
Secure attachment
Desirable attachment with healthy outcomes. Moderate stranger and separation anxiety and ease comfort at reunion
Insecure-avoidant attachment
Low anxiety but weak attachment. Low stranger and separation anxiety and little response to reunion
Insecure-resistant attachment
Strong attachment and high anxiety. High levels of stranger and separation anxiety and resistant to be comforted at reunion
Cultural variation
Differences in norms and values that exist between people in different groups
Maternal deprivation
Emotional and intellectual consequences of separation between a child and their mother. Bowlby proposed that continuous care from a mother is essential for development
Consequences from maternal deprivation
Causes serious damage to emotional and intellectual development
Orphan studies
Children placed in care because their parents cannot look after them.
Childhood relationships
Affiliations with other people in childhood, including friends and classmates, and with adults such as teachers
Adult relationships
Include friendships and working relationships but most critically relationships with romantic partners and the persons own children
