>attachment: caregiver-infant interactions Flashcards
define attachment
a strong emotional bond that develops over time between an infant + primary caregiver
what is meant by primary caregiver?
the person(s) whom the baby feels most strongly attached too, who is reciprocal
what are the 4 characteristics proposed by Maccoby of an attachment tie?
-seeking proximity, especially in times of stress
-distress on seperation
-pleasure when reunited
-general orientation of behaviour towards primary caregiver
what characterises an attachment bond?
-infants desire to be close to a particular individual + by expression of distress when separated from that person
-provides infant with sense of security
-usually mother, but attachment can be formed with anyone who provides such security + comfort
although babies cannot talk, communication is ____ and _____ and can _________
-rich
-complex
-occur in several ways
what are the 5 ways that a baby non verbally uses to communicate with a carer?
-bodily contact
-mimicking
-caregiverese
-interactional synchrony
-reciprocity
bodily contact?
-physical interactions between carer + infant that help strengthen attachment bond
-especially in period immediately after birth
mimicking?
-infants seem to have innate ability to mimic carers facial expressions
-suggesting a biological device to aid in formation of attachments
caregiverese
-when carers interact with infants a modified form of vocal language is used
-high pitched, song like in nature, slow + repetitive
-aids in communication between carer + infant
-strengthening attachment bond
interactional synchrony?
-infant move their bodies in tune with the rhythm of carers spoken language to create kind of a turn taking
-like a 2 way conversation
-reinforcing attachment bond
reciprocity?
-interactions between carer + infant result in mutual behaviour
-both parties receive a response from eachother
-fortifying attachment bond
two research names?
-Klaus + Kennell
-Melzoff + Moore
Klaus + Kennel?
-compared mums who had extended physical contact with their babies (several hours a day) with mums who only had physical contact during feeding 3 days after birth
-a month later: found mums with extended physical contact would cuddle + make eye contact more often than other mums with limited/lesser contact -> effects were still noticeable a year later
-suggesting greater physical contact leads to stronger + closer bond formation
Melzoff + Moore?
-found that infants aged 2-3 weeks tended to mimic adults specific facial expressions + hand movements
-supporting the idea that infant mimicry is an innate ability used to aid formation of attachments
-especially as it was seen in infants who were >3 days old
evaluation of research- advantages?
-practical application (Klaus + Kennell), hospitals placed mother + infant in same room days following birth as opposed to previous practices where baby + mother would be separately roomed -> helps in formation of attachments
-controlled observations capture fine detail, filmed from different angles, babies behaviour doesn’t change when observed so accurate response obtained