attachment development Flashcards
what are the 4 attachment phases
asocial phase: birth-6 weeks
phase of indiscriminate attachments: 6 weeks - 6/7 months
specific attachment phase: 7-9 months
phase of multiple attachment: 9-18 months
asocial phase
(birth-6 weeks)
respond in an equally favorable way to interesting social & nonsocial stimuli
few stimuli produce any kind of protest
end of phase - show preference for social stimuli
phase of indiscriminate attachments
6 weeks - 6/7 months
prefer social to nonsocial stimuli
likely to protest when any adult leaves them
enjoy human company more but are unselective - enjoy attention from anyone, even strangers
specific attachment phase
7 - 9 months
are attached to one close companion (mother)
begin to protest only when separated from CC
try to follow along CC & greet them warmly when returned
established their 1st genuine attachment
phase of multiple attachments
(9-18 months)
start to form attachments to companions other than their primary attachment object
become attached to fathers, siblings, grandparents, etc.
secure base
the use of a caregiver as a base from which to explore the env & to which to return for emotional support
psychoanalytic theory of attachments
freud’ idea that infants are oral creatures = derive satisfaction from sucking and mouthing objects
should be attracted to any person who provides oral pleasure
usually mothers who feed = she becomes primary object of security & affection
learning theory of attachment
infants become attached to people who feed them & gratify their needs
feeding is imp bcuz:
- it elicits pos responses from a contented infant = increases caregivers affection
- during feeding mom provides many comforts all in one sitting
infant then associates mom with pleasant or pleasurable sensations
cognitive-developmental theory of attachment
ability to form attachments partly depends on infant’s level of cog develop
must be able to discriminate familiar companions from strangers & recognize they have a ‘permanence’ about them
ethological theory of attachment
we are born with several innate behavioral tendencies that have in some way contributed to the survival of the species over the course of evolution
many of these built-in behaviors promote attachments between infants & caregivers
kewpie doll effect (ethological thoery)
the notion that infant like facial features are perceived as cute & lovable and elicit favorable responses from others
secure attachment
the child welcomes contact with a cc & uses this person as a secure base from which to explore the env
- actively explores while alone w mom
- visibly upset when separated & greets mom warmly upon return
- seeks physical contact w her if distressed
- outgoing w strangers while mom is present
resistant attachment
insecure bond - strong separation protest & tendency of child to remain near but resist contact from caregiver, especially after separation
- stays close to mother & explores very little
- becomes distressed when mom leaves but are ambivalent when she returns
- wary of strangers, even when mom is present
avoidant attachment
insecure bond - little separation protest & tendency of child to avoid or ignore the caregiver
- show little distress when separated from mother
- will turn away & ignore her even when she tries to get their attention
- sociable w strangers
disorganized/disoriented attachment
insecure bond - infants have a dazed appearance on reunion or a tendency to 1st seek & then abruptly avoid the caregiver
- reflects confusion about whether to approach or avoid caregiver
