Explanations of Attachment Flashcards
Explanations of Attachment
Learning Theory and Bowlby’s Theory
Which approach links with the Learning Theory
Behaviourists - classical and operant conditioning
The Learning Theory
Classical conditioning - food serves as unconditioned stimulus which gives them pleasure which is the unconditioned response. Caregiver starts as neutral stimulus. The caregiver provides food which overtime becomes associated to them so when they see caregiver they expect food. The neutral stimulus becomes conditions as it produces a conditioned response of pleasure. This pleasure response is love so helps an attachment form.
Operant conditioning - Babies cry for comfort as it leads to a response from the caregiver like feeding them, so as long as they provide correct response crying is positively reinforced. This is a two way process as the caregiver is negatively reinforced because once they comfort them the crying stops. Interplay of mutual reinforcement strengthens attachment.
Drive for Attachment
Sears et al (1957) suggests as the caregiver provides the food to meet their hungry which is a primary drive as it is an innate biological motivator, this becomes generalised to them making attachment a secondary drive learned by association with the caregiver and satisfaction of a primary drive.
(L) Strength (R)
Supporting evidence from animal studies.
Pavlov dogs learned to associate salivation with the sound of the bell.
Supports concept that babies could learn to associate mother with pleasure.
However… animals studies e.g. Harlow’s found comfort was the key driver in forming an attachment and not food.
(L) Weakness
Counter evidence from human research.
Schaffer and Emerson (1964) baby developed attachment through reciprocity and interactional synchrony.
Attachment is not formed due to them feeding them but due to them offering warmth and comfort.
Furthermore… Isabella et al (1989) found caregivers most sensitive to needs formed strongest attachment and they didn’t need to feed them the most.
(L) Strength (A)
Elements of conditioning could be involved.
Unlikely association with food is a central role but conditional may still be key. Associate feeling of warmth and comfort with the caregiver leading to attachment.
However… both suggest baby plays a passive role but research suggests they play an active role in interactional synchrony and reciprocity.
Bowlby’s Theory
Innate tendencies to form attachments and argues it gives us an adaptive advantage to help survive.
The 6 features of it
Adaptive, Social Releasers, Critical Period, Monotropic, Internal Working Model, and Continuity Hypothesis
Adaptive
Give species an adapt advantage making us more likely to survive. If infant has an attachment with caregiver they are kept safe, given food, and kept warm.
Social Releasers
Key features which unlock innate tendencies of adults to care for them which explains how attachments are formed. Both psychical and behavioural.
Critical Period
Babies have to form an attachment within 0-2yrs or else they will be damaged for life socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. (deterministic) However, research has shown it to be sensitive so if it isn’t form doesn’t mean won’t just that they will need to try hard to bond.
Monotropic
Form one very special attachment bond with primary attachment figure, the mother. This is called monotropy. Infant become attached to person who responds most sensitively to needs.
Internal Working Model
Formed through the monotropic attachment. Mental representation of their relationship with primary caregiver. Model to infants of what relationships are like. If loving respect all like this but if poor then expect this. Future adult relationships are based on this.
Continuity Hypothesis
Early emotional experience affect adult relationships. Securely attached infants go on to be emotionally secure and trusting, and confident. Those not have social and emotional difficulties that continue into adulthood.
