Cultural variations

Question 1

Give the evolutionary explanation of attachment.

Answer 1

• Bowlby’s theory = attachment evolved to provide biological function of protection for infant = enhances survival
• Therefore, “Secure attachment” = optimal form of attachment regardless of culture

Question 2

State 3 points of the Cultural variations findings.

Answer 2

• Small inter-cultural differences
• Supports idea that attachment = innate, biological process
• Secure attachment = best for healthy & emotional development

Question 3

State what is meant by Cultural similarities.

Answer 3

• Efe tribe from Zaire live in extended family groups
• Infants breast fed by multiple women, only slept with own mother at night
• Infants at 6 months still showed one primary attachment

Question 4

State what is meant by Cultural differences for Germany.

Answer 4

Germany: The infants

• Children don’t engage in proximity seeking behaviour
• High levels of insecure attachment
• German cultures = keeping interpersonal distance between parent & child

Question 5

State what is meant by Cultural differences for Tekashi.

Answer 5

Tekashi: The infants

• Showed no evidence of insecure-avoidant attachment
• High insecure resistant attachment
• Rarely separated from mother - explains extreme reaction