emotional development- theories

Question 1

what is the basis of bowlby’s attachment theory

Answer 1

= the importance of attachment to a main caregiver links to social, emotional and cognitive development
= children are ‘pre-programmed’ to form attachments.
= infancy is the critical period in forming positive attachments.

Question 2

what does separation anxiety do to infancy

Answer 2

. children separated from their mothers experienced major distress
. did not disappear when being fed from another carer.
. according to bowlby infants have a universal need to be close proximity to caregiver when threatened or stressed

Question 3

what is the basis of schaffer & emersons theory

Answer 3

• babies form attachments to caregivers who respond effectively to signals
• not necessarily the person they spend the most time with.
• most important factor in forming attachments is not the adult who feeds and changes the child,but who plays and communicates with them

Question 4

what is the sequence of attachment

Answer 4

1. up to three months= babies respond to any caregiver
2. 3-7 months= infant looks for protection and security. shows fear when meeting strangers when separated from main caregiver. stranger anxiety.
3. 9+ months= baby becomes more independent and forms several attachments.