Early Attachment Flashcards
What are the four main principles of attachment?
- Attachment has an evolutionary basis.
- Humans create one main attachment.
- We develop an internal working model of attachment during infancy.
- There is a critical period of attachment.
What is natural selection?
The process whereby organism that are best suited or adapted to their environment are the ones that are most likely to survive and are thus more likely to pass on their genetic information.
How does attachment have an evolutionary basis?
- Attachment is important for survival.
- A human infant cannot survive on its own.
- Thus attachment to a primary caregiver is crucial for survival.
- Humans have a biological need to form attachments to our primary caregiver.
- Embedded in our genetics through natural selection.
What is a monotropic attachment?
When humans form one primary attachment to a caregiver, usually with the biological mother as they provide milk and protection against harm.
What are attachment schemas?
The first attachments infants form provides a schematic template upon which future relationships will be based.
What factors are required for relationships?
- Attachment.
- Communication.
- Trust.
- Care for the other person.
What is the Internal Working Model?
When an infant forms the first monotropic attachment to their primary caregiver.
Why is the Internal Working Model a ‘working’ model?
As it is not solidified during this time and will change and develop over time as the infant has new relationships.
How do secure attachments affect future relationships?
They are more likely to be able to form secure relationships during adulthood.
How do insecure-avoidant attachments affect future relationships?
They will be more likely to avoid social interaction and have weaker relationships.
How do insecure-resistant attachments affect future relationships?
They will be more likely to have difficulty in maintaining intimate relationships.
What does the continuity hypothesis state?
That the foundations provided by the primary caregiver help build the child’s future relationships.
