Bowlbys theory and Ainsworth theory

Question 1

Evolutionary theory of attachment

Answer 1

Bowlby believes that attachment is a two way process and that it is developed for natural selection. It is a two way process caregivers need to be attached for that care for the infant will survive

We have the innate tendency to form attachments because we have a survival advantage

Question 2

whatb are social reelasers

Answer 2

innate cute features that help activate the innate adult attachment system parents to become attached they can be behavioural (crying) or physical (big eyes)

Question 3

The rest of Bowlbys theory

Answer 3

Humans have a critical period of around 2 yrs and after this period ppl will have difficulties finding them later on.

Bowlby said that the relationships that the infant and their primary attachment figure has is the most special and has a big impact on their development on future relationships called monotropy

Child forms a visual representation of their relationship with their primary caregiver (internal working model) this gives the child the model of how future relationships should be like

Question 4

Bowlbys theory mnemic A S C M I

Answer 4

Adaptive
Social Releasers
Critical Period
Monotropy
Internal working model

Question 5

what is the continuity hypothesis

Answer 5

individuals who are securely attached in infancy continue to be socially and emotionally competent. Likely to have secure relationships

Question 6

strange situation methodology

Answer 6

controlled observation
measure secuirty of attachment that child displays towards a caregiver
Controlled conditions ( good internal validity)
100 middle class american infants (lack population validity and cultural bias)

Question 7

Strange situation study

Answer 7

The mother and her infant go into a room. The mother
sits, and the child is placed on the floor and is free to
explore.

A stranger then enters the room and talks
briefly to the mother. (stranger anxiety)

The stranger leans forward and tries to
engage with the infant through play and
talk. (stranger anxiety)

The mother leaves the room. Now the baby is
alone with the stranger. (separation anxiety)

The stranger tries to
comfort the baby if they get upset, and tries to
play with them. (stranger anxiety)

The mother returns to the room and the
stranger leaves.

The mother leaves the room and the infant
is alone.

Instead of the mother returning to the
room, the stranger returns and tries to
comfort and play with the baby.

The mother re-enters the room and the
stranger leaves.

Question 8

Attachment Types

Answer 8

Type A: Insecure avoidant.
Type B: Secure
Type C: insecure resistant

Question 9

Insecure avoidant characteristics

Answer 9

explore freely but do not show secure base behaviour

little/no reaction when caregiver leaves and little contact when caregiver returns

Show little stranger anxiety

Do not require comfort at the reunion stage

15% in ainsworth study 20-25% in the uk

Question 10

Secure base behaviour

Answer 10

happily explore but go back to base
moderate distress and moderate stranger anxiety
They requiew and accept comfort
70% in ainsworth study 60-75% in the uk

Question 11

insecure resistant behaviour

Answer 11

seek greater proximity so explore less
15% in ainsworth study
3% in UK

Question 12

what is culture

Answer 12

a set of norms and traditions shared by a large group of people

Question 13

forms of cultural variations

Answer 13

individualist culture- more independent

Collectivist culture- more group and interdepence