Development of attachment relationships

Question 1

what are Bowlby’s 4 phases in developing attachment

Answer 1

stage 1- infant orientates and signals without discrimination (first few months)
stage 2- infant preferentially orientates to and signals at 1 or more discriminative persons- more likely to smile at the mother or compforted by them if distressed - start of attachment around 5-7 months
stage 3- infant remains proximity to this discriminating person e.g. crawls to that person, cries when leaves, infant also becomes fearful of strangers (7-9 months)
stage 4- goal corrected relationship- child also accomodates mothers needs e.g. knowing they have to wait alone until the mother returns (from 3 years of age)

stage 5- lessening of attachemnt based on abstract considerations such as affection, trust and approval - (seen at school years)

Question 2

what are 4 signs of attachment

Answer 2

proximity
distress on separation
happy on reunion
orient actions to caregiver

Question 3

Main assumptions of attachment theory

Answer 3

parent + centre role
cognitive motor skills necessary- e.g. object permanence and cause effect relations
social interactions for learning important (more likely to get happy on reunion if carer is)

Question 4

Importance of attachment

Answer 4

secure attached infants are more likely to have the confidence to start and develop healthy peer relationships and exploring new objects (Turner 1991)