introduction to attachments

Question 1

define attachment

Answer 1

a two way reciprocal relationship with a strong emotional tie
emotionally meaningful

Question 2

define seeking proximity as an attachment behaviour

Answer 2

infants try to maintain physical contact between them and their attachment figure

Question 3

define distress of separation as an attachment behaviour

Answer 3

degree of distress shown by the child when separated from their caregiver

Question 4

define pleasure when reunited as an attachment behaviour

Answer 4

how the child behaves towards the caregiver after separation

whether they are easily calmed or resist affection

Question 5

define general orientation as an attachment behaviour

Answer 5

how independent the child is and how much support they need to explore unfamiliar areas

Question 6

define reciprocity

Answer 6

both infant and mother respond to signals and each one generates a response from the other

Question 7

define interactional synchrony

Answer 7

when mother and infant interact and mirror each others facial expressions and movements

Question 8

outline why interactional synchrony is important

Answer 8

provides foundation for the mother and infant connection which can be built upon in future years

Question 9

outline the procedure of Meltzoff and Moore’s study

Answer 9

• adult makes 3 faces and 1 gesture to infant
• response of infant is recorded
• independent observers view recording and categorise behaviours
• they do this twice and have no knowledge of the adult model

Question 10

outline the results of Meltzoff and Moore’s study

Answer 10

• very high positive correlation coefficient
• suggests interactional synchrony
• found in a subsequent study to occur just 3 days after birth which suggests it is innate

Question 11

Meltzoff and Moore study

explain the strength of using well-controlled procedures

Answer 11

• interactions usually filmed from multiple angles so can be analysed later
• babies unaware they’re being filmed so no demand characteristics
• therefore study has good validity

Question 12

Meltzoff and Moore study

explain the strength of its potential value to society

Answer 12

• Crotwell et al found 10 minute parent-child interaction therapy improved interactional synchrony in 20 low income families compared to a control group
• suggests interactional synchrony could lead to methods for improving mother-infant attachments

Question 13

Meltzoff and Moore study

explain the limitation of it being hard to know what is happening when observing infants

Answer 13

• observations only of hand movements or facial expressions
• is the infant’s imitation of signals conscious and deliberate
• cannot be sure that interactions have a special meaning