Attachment & Relationships

Question 1

The theory of close relationships developed by Bowlby and Ainsworth and grounded in ethological theory (with psychoanalytic theory and cognitive
theory)

Answer 1

attachment theory

Question 2

The theory that close emotional bonds such
as parent–child attachments are biologically
based and contribute to species survival.

Answer 2

attachment theory

Question 3

An innate form of learning in which the young of certain species will follow and become attached to moving objects (usually their mothers) during a critical period early in life.

Answer 3

imprinting

Question 4

A hormone that plays important roles in facilitating parent-infant attachment as well as reducing anxiety and encouraging affiliation in other social relationships.

Answer 4

oxytocin

Question 5

As distinguished from attachment, a more biologically-based process in which parent and infant form a connection through contact in the first hours after birth when both are highly alert.

Answer 5

bonding

Question 6

According to neo-Freudian Harry Stack Sullivan, a close friendship in childhood that provides emotional support and teaches children how to participate in intimate relationships.

Answer 6

chumship

Question 7

In attachment theory, cognitive representation of self and other that children construct from their interactions with caregivers and that shape their expectations about relationships.

Answer 7

internal working model

Question 8

A social equal; a person who functions at a level of behavioral complexity similar to that of the self, often someone of similar age.

Answer 8

peer

Question 9

A “secondary emotion” such as embarrassment or pride that requires an awareness of self; unlikely to emerge until about 18 months of age.

Answer 9

self-conscious emotion

Question 10

Infants’ monitoring of companions’ emotional reactions in ambiguous situations and use of this information to decide how they should feel and behave.

Answer 10

social referencing

Question 11

The processes involved in initiating, maintaining, and altering emotional responses.

Answer 11

emotion regulation

Question 12

Harmonious, dance-like interaction between infant and caregiver in which each adjusts behavior in response to that of the other.

Answer 12

synchronized routine

Question 13

A wary or fretful reaction that infants display when separated from their attachment objects.

Answer 13

separation anxiety

Question 14

In Bowlby’s attachment theory, the most mature phase of attachment in which parent and child accommodate to each other’s needs and the child becomes more independent.

Answer 14

goal-corrected partnership

Question 15

A wary or fretful reaction that infants often display when approached by an unfamiliar person.

Answer 15

stranger anxiety

Question 16

A point of safety, represented by an infant’s attachment figure, that permits exploration of the environment.

Answer 16

secure base

Question 17

An infant–caregiver bond or intimate relationship in which the individual welcomes close contact, uses the attachment object as a source of comfort, and dislikes but can manage separations.

Answer 17

secure attachment

Question 18

A series of mildly stressful experiences involving the departure of the parent and exposure to a stranger to which infants are exposed to determine the quality of their attachments; developed by Ainsworth.

Answer 18

Strange Situation

Question 19

An insecure infant caregiver bond or other intimate relationship characterized by strong separation anxiety and a tendency to show ambivalent reactions to the attachment object upon reunion, seeking and yet resisting contact.

Answer 19

resistant attachment

Question 20

An insecure infant caregiver bond or other intimate relationship characterized by little separation anxiety and a tendency to avoid or ignore the attachment object upon reunion.

Answer 20

avoidant attachment

Question 21

An insecure infant–caregiver bond, common among abused children, that combines features of the resistant and avoidant attachment styles and is characterized by the infant’s dazed response to reunion and confusion about whether to approach or avoid the caregiver.

Answer 21

disorganized–disoriented attachment

Question 22

A disturbed attachment pattern observed in socially deprived children that involves indiscriminate friendliness toward both parents and strangers, lack of appropriate wariness of strangers, and difficulty regulating emotions well enough to participate in real, reciprocal social interactions.

Answer 22

disinhibited attachment

Question 23

The pleasurable tactile sensations provided by a parent or a soft, terry cloth mother substitute; believed to foster attachments in infant monkeys and possibly humans.

Answer 23

contact comfort

Question 24

Symbolic play in which one actor, object, or action symbolizes or stands for another.

Answer 24

pretend play

Question 25

A form of play that involves both cooperation with playmates and pretend or symbolic activity.

Answer 25

social pretend play

Question 26

Methods for determining who is well liked and popular and who is disliked or neglected in a group.

Answer 26

sociometric techniques

Question 27

Excessive discussion and analysis of personal problems with a close friend.

Answer 27

co-rumination

Question 28

A network of heterosexual cliques that forms during adolescence and facilitates mixedsex social activities.

Answer 28

crowd

Question 29

A small friendship group that interacts frequently.

Answer 29

clique

Question 30

The changing cadre of significant people who serve as sources of social support to the individual during the life span.

Answer 30

social convoy

Question 31

Carstensen’s notion that our needs change as we grow older and that we actively choose to narrow our range of social partners to those who can best meet our emotional needs.

Answer 31

socioemotional selectivity theory

Question 32

The tendency of older adults to pay more attention to, better remember, and put more priority on positive information than on negative information.

Answer 32

positivity effect

Question 33

Mate selection or marriage on the basis of similarity in demographic and personal characteristics.

Answer 33

homogamy

Question 34

Robert Sternberg’s model describing types of love in terms of three components: passion, intimacy, and decision/commitment.

Answer 34

triangular theory of love

Question 35

In Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, love with high levels of all three components of love: passion, intimacy, and decision/commitment.

Answer 35

consummate love

Question 36

In Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, affectionate love characterized by high intimacy and commitment but low passion.

Answer 36

companionate love

Question 37

A spouse, relative, or friend to whom a person feels emotionally close and with whom that person can share thoughts and feelings.

Answer 37

confidant

Question 38

A balance of contributions and gains in a social relationship that results in neither partner feeling over or under-benefited.

Answer 38

equity

Question 39

A psychiatric diagnosis affecting socially deprived and maltreated children that involves either emotionally withdrawn behavior or “disinhibited” attachment that involves indiscriminate interest in people with lack of appropriate wariness of strangers.

Answer 39

reactive attachment disorder