Chapter 11 Flashcards
What is John Bowlby’s attachment theory
The propensity to make strong emotional bonds to particular individuals [is] a basic component of human nature, already present in germinal form in the neonate.”
What is Mary Ainsworth’s attachment theory?
A relatively long-enduring tie in which the partner is important as a unique individual and is interchangeable with none other. In an affectional bond, there is a desire to maintain closeness to the partner.”
What is attachment in relation to the affectional bond (mary ainsworth)
A subtype of affectional bond in which the presence of the partner adds a special sense of security, a “safe base,” for the individual
The child’s relationship with the parents is an attachment, but the parents’ relationship with the child is not in these contexts
What are attachment behaviours?
behaviors that allow a child or an adult to achieve and retain physical proximity to someone else to whom he is attached
What is synchrony?
The opportunity for the parent and infant to develop a mutual, interlocking pattern of attachment behaviors, a smooth “dance” of interaction
Smile, raised eyebrows, very wide open eyes
Characteristic high pitch of motherese
Turn-taking behaviors and inflections
Tell me about father-child bonds
Fathers seem to direct the same repertoire of attachment behaviors to the child as the mother
Fathers spend more time playing with the baby
Use more physical roughhousing
Playing with Daddy - YouTube
Mothers spend more time in routine caregiving
Talk to and smile more at the baby
9 month old baby plays with Mommy - YouTube
By six months, babies are just as likely to show signs of attachment to their fathers as to mothers
How does the baby’s responses differ between mother and father?
What are bowlby’s three phases of attachment?
Phase 1: Nonfocused Orienting and Signaling
Baby begins with a set of innate behavior patterns that orient him towards others—proximity promoting behaviors
No attachment at this time
Phase 2: Focus on One or More Figures
3 months– aims behaviors at people who regularly take care of her
Phase 3: Secure Base Behavior
6 months—forms a genuine attachment
Uses the most important person as a safe base
Proximity seeking behaviors
Tell me about separation anxiety, how long does it last and when does it develop?
Fear of Strangers and Separation Anxiety Intensity of the reaction is related to temperament and stressors separation anxiety - YouTube Appear between 6-9 mos. Increase through 12-16 mos. Decline after 24 mos. Both home babies and child care babies Fear of strangers appears first 6 -16 mos. Separation anxiety lasts longer 8-24 mos.
how does attachment work in early childhood?
Attachments in middle childhood
Elementary school
Overt attachment behaviors are even less visible
E.g., clinging and crying
Child may take primary responsibility for maintaining contact with parent
Increases with stress
Less safe-base behaviors
Less open affection expressed
Relationship with parents correlated with relationship with peers
What are the origins of secure attachments?
Crucial ingredients to secure attachments
Emotional availability from caregiver
Synchrony, mutuality, contingent responsiveness
Parent must be attuned to the child’s signals and cues and respond appropriately
What are the origins of insecure attachments
Low level of responsiveness is associated with any insecure attachment
Disorganized/disoriented pattern
Child has been abused or the parent has suffered some trauma in their childhood
Avoidant pattern
Mother rejects the infant or regularly withdraws from contact with the infant
What are the long term consequences of secure attachments?
Securely attached children More sociable More positive in their behavior towards friends and siblings Less clinging and dependent on teachers Less aggressive and disruptive More empathetic
In Adolesence More intimate friendships Have higher self-esteem Rated as leaders Higher grades
What are the long term consequences of secure attachments
More likely to become sexually active early
More likely to practice riskier sex
Particularly true of avoidant attachments
Sroufe longitudinal study of summer camp behavior in adolescents (pg. 277)
Securely attached– formed more friendships and had a greater sense of their abilities
Insecurely attached– showed deviant behavior
Isolation from peers, bizarre behaviors, passivity, hyperactivity, aggressiveness
