Module 1: Attachment Theory: Normative Development

Question 1

what are the roots of attachment theory?

Answer 1

roots of intimate relationships lie in the past of the individuals

Question 2

who made attachment theory?

Answer 2

John Bowlby

Question 3

attachment figure

Answer 3

someone who provides the child with comfort and safety

Question 4

attachment behaviour system

Answer 4

a set of behaviours and reactions that MONITORS and PROMOTES the closeness of caregivers

Question 5

what are the 3 key factors that the attachment behaviour system focuses on?

Answer 5

1) pay attention to our own INTERNAL STATES
2) keep track of our caregivers AVAILABILITY and RESPONSIVENESS (where’s momma at? she see me?)
3) we look for potential threats

Question 6

the goal of the attachment behaviour system is to CREATE and MAINTAIN ____ ______

Answer 6

felt security: the sense of safety and protection that allows the developing child to explore the world and take risks

Question 7

what is the self-relevant aspect of anxiety in our internal working model?

Answer 7

It’s the anxiety, insecurity, inadequacy and unworthy feeling we get when caregivers are inconsistent and unavailable.

Question 8

what is the other-relevant aspect of avoidance in our internal working model?

Answer 8

when we experience punishment and rejection, it leads us to conclude that others are unreliable and best avoided.

Question 9

the attachment behaviour system is not always on; it is activated when

Answer 9

a person is challenged or when access to the caregiver is threatened

Question 10

what is attachment?

Answer 10

an intimate emotional bond to a particular individual who is seen as providing protection, comfort and support

Question 11

functions of an attachment bond (4)

Answer 11

proximity maintenance: to MAINTAIN PROXIMITY of young to caregivers for protections

separation distress: resist and DISTRESS at separation

secure base: to provide a SECURE BASE to be able to explore the environment

safe haven: have a SAFE HAVEN in times of distress

Question 12

attachment theory falls under broad umbrella of

Answer 12

evolutionary theory

Question 13

Bowlby’s four phases in the development of an infant’s attachment to a caregiver

Answer 13

1) preattachment
2) attachment-in-the-making
3) clear-cut attachment
4) goal-corrected partnership

Question 14

our behavioural system is a ______ system

Answer 14

regulatory system. It serves to regulate our emotional response, our feelings of security and safety

Question 15

the caregiving behavioural system

Answer 15

innate organized behavioural system designed to provide changing levels and forms of support for the developing child

Question 16

caregiving behavioural system - purpose of motivational system?

Answer 16

purpose to increase chances of child’s survival

Question 17

caregiving and attachment behaviour systems operate in a

Answer 17

mutually satisfying partnership

Question 18

if attachment figure is available, caring and responsive, child will feel

Answer 18

secure

Question 19

if attachment figure is unavailable, unresponsive or insensitive, the child will feel

Answer 19

insecure

Question 20

why might it be problematic for a parent to be attached to a young child in terms of child development?

Answer 20

children are not competent to meet attachment needs of parents.

this is called role reversal

Question 21

how do adult attachment bonds develop?

Answer 21

1) Initial attraction (pre attachment)
2) Established relationship (attachment in the making)
3) Long-term relationships (clear cut attachment)
4) Goal corrected partnership