Attachment Flashcards
define “attachment”
the particular emotional tie between an infant/child and a specific caregiver–> particularly when child is frightened, upset, tired, ill
child in these situations seeks comfort or security from the relationship with that caregiver
what is attachment theory
a psychological model that states strong emotional and physical attachment to at least one primary caregiver is critical in development during childhood
The theory posits that children are motivated to seek protective contact with caregivers, and if a parent responds sensitively to a child’s distress, then the child feels secure enough to explore their environment.
what % of kids in north america are estimated to have secure attachment
62%
name the three major figures in attachment theory
bowlby
harlow
ainsworth
what was harry harlows contribution to attachment theory
studied maternal deprivation, social isolation and its effect in rhesus monkeys
reinforced importance of mother-child bonding
discovered physiological needs (warmth, safety, food) alone are not enough but also emotional needs must be met (acceptance, love, affection)
what was john bowlby’s contribution to attachment theory
coined “attachment behaviour” and founder of attachment theory
a child has innate needs to attach to one main attachment figure–> believed mother-child attachment was an essential medium of human interaction
attachment has important consequences for later functioning and health
coined idea of “internal working model”–> child behaves according to his representational system of self and other –> model originates from his relationship with his parents
what was mary ainsworth’s contribution to attachment theory
“strange situation” experiment
interaction between mother and baby during attachment period significantly influences baby’s current and future behaviour
maternal sensitivity and responsiveness are the main determinants for secure attachment
at what age do the first signs of attachment behaviour firs start occurring
7-9 months
what were the four infant/childhood attachment styles describes from the strange situation experiment
- secure
- insecure (avoidant)
- insecure (ambivalent/resistant)
- disorganized
a child with secure attachment has what corresponding attachment style as an adult
secure/autonomous
a child with insecure (avoidant) attachment has what corresponding attachment style as an adult
dismissive
a child with insecure (ambivalent/resistant) attachment has what corresponding attachment style as an adult
preoccupied
a child with disorganized attachment has what corresponding attachment style as an adult
unresolved/disorganized (“dissociative symptoms”)
describe an infant displaying secure attachment
explores rooms and toys with interest in pre-separation episodes
shows signs of missing parents on separation
obvious preference for parents over strangers
greets parents actively, usually initiating physical contact
usually some contact maintaining by second reunion, but then settles and returns to play
what behaviour does a child with secure attachment expect from their caregiver
responsiveness
