Chapter 6 Flashcards
What is attachment?
A deep emotional bond between a child and caregiver that helps the child feel safe and secure.
Who developed attachment theory?
John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth.
What are the two main functions of attachment (according to Bowlby)?
1) Provides a safe haven from danger, 2) Acts as a secure base for exploring the world.
What is the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP)?
A lab test created by Ainsworth to observe attachment behaviors in children aged 9–36 months.
What are the four types of attachment?
Secure, Insecure-Avoidant, Insecure-Resistant, Disorganized.
What characterizes secure attachment in toddlers?
Distress when caregiver leaves, comforted upon return, prefers caregiver over strangers.
What is disorganized attachment?
A mix of avoidant and resistant behaviors; child may freeze, rock, or act confused.
What predicts secure attachment?
Sensitive, responsive caregiving; consistency; non-intrusive support.
What does secure attachment predict?
Higher academic achievement, better social skills, emotional regulation, fewer behavior problems.
What is temperament?
Biologically based emotional and behavioral tendencies present from early life.
What are key temperament traits?
Activity level, effortful control, negative emotionality, behavioral inhibition.
What is personality?
Consistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors over time.
What are the Big Five personality traits?
Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism.
What is the relationship between temperament and personality?
Temperament is the foundation for later personality.
What are the three personality styles?
Resilient, Overcontrolled, Undercontrolled.
What predicts personality development?
Genetics, attachment, parenting, and environment (epigenetics).
What is ‘goodness of fit’?
How well a child’s temperament matches their environment or caregiver’s style.
What is epigenetics?
The idea that genes can be turned on/off by environmental factors.
Who are ‘orchid children’?
Highly sensitive to their environment—can thrive or struggle depending on it.
Who are ‘dandelion children’?
More resilient—can do well in almost any environment.
