Attachment Theory Flashcards
Why is attachment important? 5 things
We are born helpless and therefore have an innate need to attach
Emotional connection is coded as a safety cue in our brains
Isolation or emotional separation are coded as danger cues
The quality of emotional connection is key to How we develop as human beings
It impacts how we see ourselves (Lovable, competent and deserving of care) and whether we see others as dependable and trustworthy
When does it begin?
In the womb
Continues throughout life
What does it mean that attachment is an innate motivating force? 4
Synaptic firing – how you were seen is how you see yourself
Social emotional development is the fundamental foundation for all human development and help person wellness
The parent child relationship is stored at the brain at the automatic level
Can even affect things like how we parent
History from the 1700s
1760- Spanish Bishop reported children in foundling homes though sheltered and fed, died from sadness
History – 1930s and 40s
Orphaned American children deprived of touch and emotional contact died
1952
Emotional deprivation in infancy a study by Renee A. Spitz
Children separated from parents described debilitating grief as failure to thrive
John Bowlby
1950s
1958
Founder of attachment theory
He worked in the 30s as a psychiatrist in a child guidance clinic in London where he treated many disturbed children
Considered the importance of the child’s relationship with their mother in terms of their social emotional and cognitive development
1950s Mary Ainsworth (5)
Dissertation -the importance of familial security as a foundation for adult sense of confidence and independence
Joined Bowlby for further research. The strange situation experiment how can a relationship be measured?
Observed documented researched the time course and features of typical infant attachment in Uganda and the US
Attunement – Sensitive responsiveness to the infants cues was the critical factor in determining the type and quality of the infants attachment
Noted by three months infants contribute to behavioural Synchrony as well as matching facial expressions and turn taking with vocalisations
Historical context – how does Bowlby and Ainsworth fit together and what does it mean? 4
Bowlby. Contradicted the behavioural theory of attachment
Behavioural theory of attachment undervalued the child’s bond with mother, And argued child becomes attached to mother because she feeds the infant
But According to Bowlby infants have a universal need to stick close proximity with caregiver when under stress or feeling threatened
This motivation is found in the need for attachment (children who feel strongly connected to a loving caring adult attachment figure demonstrate greater resilience and adversity)
What three things did infant seek out in an attachment figure or seek out an attachment figure for?
1) An attachment figure sort out in times of stress and if someone who is unwonted leaving would cause distress and protest
2) Someone who creates a safe haven because they are a source of comfort protection and security
3) Someone who provides a secure base from which to explore the world take risks and pursue development
What is meant by bonding?
Bonding is the love and caring relationship that the mother develops with a baby immediately after birth or a primary caregiver would develop after birth
What is attachment?
Attachment is there a reciprocal relationship between mother or primary caregiver and child that solidifies in the first year of life
Can be a few primary caregivers producing a desire to be near them or turn to them for comfort, security and confidence
Early intervention specialist measure attachment as the quality of the relationship
What is biological bonding?
Hormones released in baby and mother to react to each other
Woman’s released in the infant at the time of birth cause intense alertness allowing the baby to respond to Mum
Hormones released in the mother after the delivery create feelings of well-being which enhance open this and bonding
What is Biological Attachment
And inborn system of the brain That evolved to keep the child safe Bobby argues that this is inherent and instinct
It enables a child to (three)
Seek proximity
Search for a safe haven
Internalise a secure base
Attachment theory ABC’s. What is the A?
Attunement
Parents aligned the internal state with the child often through non-verbal signals. To do this the parent needs to be emotionally accessible responsive and engaged
Attachment theory ABC’s. What is the B?
Balance
Child attends balance of body, mind, achievement with parent
Attachment theory ABC’s. What is the C?
Coherence
Sense of internal and interpersonal integration and connection, which the child achieves through the relationship with a parent
What are the social and emotional milestones in 0-3 month olds?
0-3 months: Attention and regulation (sleep wake cycle balance)
What are the five psychological test of childhood?
To develop a strong secure attachment bond
To learn to regulate External sensory input
To learn to manage internal affective states
Communicate affectively so their needs are met
To affectively adapt to the changing world
How much of the brains development happens in the first four years of life?
80%
