caregiver-infant interactions

Question 1

Why are caregiver and infant interactions important?

Answer 1

-Crucial for social and emotional development
-Crucial in shaping someone’s future emotional wellbeing, relationships and sense of self

Question 2

What two things characterise this?

Answer 2

Reciprocity and Interactional synchrony

Question 3

What is reciprocity?

Answer 3

Reciprocity is the back and forth nature of an interaction; each partner responds and builds on cues from the other.

Question 4

What is an example of reciprocity?

Answer 4

Infant smiling and in turn the care giver smiling back at the infant (leading to further playful gestures from both)

Question 5

What is Interactional synchrony?

Answer 5

Interactional synchrony is temporary coordination of behaviour between the caregiver and infant; that creates shared understanding that they are safe.

Question 6

What is an example of Interactional synchrony?

Answer 6

-Mirroring each others face expressions, vocalisations and movements

Question 7

What attachment type does this safe environment build?

Answer 7

Secure attachment, as infants internalise this sense of security and trust towards the caregiver, as they understand they will be loved and cared for.

Question 8

What types of attachment are there?

Answer 8

-Secure Attachment
-Insecure Attachment (anxious/insecure avoidant & insecure resistant)

Question 8

Define Secure Attachment.

Answer 8

-Children with secure attachments feel protected by their caregivers and know they can depend on their caregiver.
-They show distress when the caregiver is absent but are able to compose themselves quickly when they return

Question 9

Define Insecure Attachment.

Answer 9

-Insecurely attached children have a lack of security and trust for anyone including their caregiver

Question 10

Explain how a child who is insecure resistant present themselves in presence and absence of their caregiver.

Answer 10

-They are distressed without the presence of a caregiver, more than the other attachment types
- they are not willing to explore as they are too preoccupied with their caregiver

Question 11

Explain how a child who are insecure avoidant present themselves in presence and absence of their caregiver.

Answer 11

• want the close proximity but are unable to have it so they stop trying to seek closeness so they self soothe

Question 11

What are the benefits of secure attachment?

Answer 11

–enhanced emotional regulation
-improved social development- more likely to form healthy relationships
-resilience and adaptability to situations
-greater cognitive development - higher academic achievement

Question 12

What are the limitations of insecure attachment?

Answer 12

-difficulty handling emotions
-lack of trust
-struggles with adapting to new situations
-struggle forming healthy attachments when their older

Question 13

What is the main key characteristic of secure attachment?

Answer 13

Caregiver responsiveness and sensitivity

Question 14

What is caregiver responsivity and sensitivity?

Answer 14

-It is crucial in shaping attachment
-This is where the caregiver responds readily to the infants cues
-e.g affection, comfort
-They are attuned to the infants needs and adjust their behaviour accordingly
-Fostering sense of emotional connection and trust

Question 15

Can Attachment types be influenced to change?

Answer 15

Yes, Interventions based on attachment theory can help caregivers develop more responsive and sensitive parenting behaviours, ultimately promoting positive attachment outcomes for their children
-There is also a therapeutic approach in which to support those with insecure attachment relate to themselves and others healthier.