Emotional Development

Question 1

Attachment

Answer 1

Refers to the emotional bond that forms between an infant and their caregiver.

Question 2

Attachment Theory

Answer 2

First proposed by John Bowlby to describe how infants relate emotionally to their caregivers. Bowlby proposed that attachment is a mammalian survival mechanism that keeps offspring close to caregivers.

Question 3

Characteristics of Attachment

Answer 3

• Proximity Maintenance
• Safe Haven
• Secure Base
• Separation Distress

Question 4

Proximity Maintenance

Answer 4

The level of desire the infant has to be near the caregiver.

Question 5

Safe Haven

Answer 5

The ability of the infant to return to the caregiver when stressed.

Question 6

Secure Base

Answer 6

The attachment figure becomes the base from which to explore.

Question 7

Separation Anxiety

Answer 7

Refers to signs of distress displayed by an infant when not in the presence of the main caregiver.

Question 8

Types of Attachment

Answer 8

Ainsworth found that infants generally display one of three attachment styles:

• Secure attachment (65% of infants)
• Insecure avoidant attachment (20% of infants)
• Insecure resistant attachment (12% of infants)

Question 9

Secure Attachment

Answer 9

The infant uses their caregiver as a base for exploration. They show signs of separation anxiety, but are easily soothed by the caregiver when reunited.

Question 10

Insecure Avoidant Attachment

Answer 10

The infant doesn’t seek closeness with the caregiver. When separated the infant doesn’t show signs of separation anxiety and ignores caregiver upon reunion. Research suggests this attachment style may be a result of neglect and/or abuse.

Question 11

Insecure Avoidant Attachment

Answer 11

The infant doesn’t seek closeness with the caregiver. When separated the infant doesn’t show signs of separation anxiety and ignores caregiver upon reunion. Research suggests this attachment style may be a result of neglect and/or abuse.

Question 12

Insecure Resistant Attachment

Answer 12

The infant appears anxious, even in the presence of the caregiver. They display extreme distress when the caregiver leaves, initially seeking comfort from the caregiver upon reunion, but are difficult to soothe. This is thought to be the result of caregivers who are frequently unresponsive to the infants needs.

Question 13

Disorganised Attachment

Answer 13

Later research found that there are some infants who do not fit into Ainsworth’s three categories. Infants are said to display disorganised attachment when their behaviour is inconsistent with the patterns displayed in secure and insecure attachment and seemingly contradictory.

Question 14

Causes of Disorganised Attachment

Answer 14

Maltreatment, hostile caregiving, post-natal depression, caregiver experiencing trauma or loss. However some infants with disorganised attachment have seemingly normal backgrounds.

Question 15

Secure Attachment Outcomes

Answer 15

• Good self esteem
• Trusting relationships with friends and romantic partners
• Seek out social support
• Comfortable expressing feelings