Attachment Basics

Question 1

Define attachment.

Answer 1

A close emotional bond between two people (infants and carers) that is characterised by key behaviours.

Question 2

What can affect attachment?

Answer 2

Attachment can be hindered by:
Problems with the child
A change in carer
A change in sight/ hearing

Question 3

Name the 5 attachment behaviours.

Answer 3

Separation protest
Proximity Seeking
Stranger Anxiety 
Safe base effect 
Pleasure at reunion

Question 4

Name the 2 types of caregiver-infant interactions.

Answer 4

Reciprocity and Interactional synchrony.

Question 5

Explain what is meant by the term reciprocity. (3 marks)

Answer 5

Reciprocity includes a type of non verbal communication between the infant and caregiver that elicits responses as if the infant and caregiver are taking it in turns. Reciprocity builds a foundation for future attachments to form and is important for the caregiver to later understand the needs of the infant.

Question 6

Explain what is meant by the term interactional synchrony. (3 marks)

Answer 6

Interactional synchrony includes the infant imitating specific behaviours and expressions performed by their caregiver e.g. frowning / smiling. Meltzoff and Moore studied this and found strong associations between adult behaviour and infant interaction and imitation. In a later study they found that the infants ability to imitate is innate as it is a specific social response to others which is crucial for later forming attachments.