Psychopathology Flashcards
What is attachment?
A deep and enduring emotional bond that connects one person to another.
Who proposed the attachment theory?
John Bowlby.
What are the four types of attachment styles identified by Mary Ainsworth?
Secure, insecure avoidant, insecure-resistant, and disorganized.
What is the Strange Situation?
A procedure developed by Mary Ainsworth to observe attachment relationships between a caregiver and a child.
What happens when caregivers leave secure children
Securely attached children are upset when their caregiver leaves but are easily comforted upon their return.
Fill in the blank: insecure-resistant attachment is characterized by ___ behavior in children.
clingy and dependent.
What behavior is typical of children with insecure-avoidant attachment?
They tend to avoid or ignore the caregiver and show little emotion when the caregiver departs or returns.
What is disorganized attachment?
A type of attachment characterized by a lack of a clear attachment behavior, often seen in children who have experienced trauma.
What role does a caregiver’s responsiveness play in attachment?
Responsive caregiving fosters secure attachment, while unresponsive caregiving can lead to insecure attachment styles.
What is the internal working model in attachment theory?
A mental representation of self and others developed from early interactions with caregivers.
True or False: Attachment styles can change over time.
True.
What is the primary focus of Bowlby’s attachment theory?
The importance of the relationship between a child and their primary caregiver.
Multiple Choice: Which attachment style is most associated with positive social and emotional outcomes?
A) Secure attachment.
Fill in the blank: Children with ___ attachment may display fear or confusion in the presence of their caregiver.
disorganized.
What are the long-term effects of secure attachment in childhood?
Better emotional regulation, social skills, and resilience in adulthood.
What is the main research method used in Ainsworth’s study of attachment?
Observational study.
True or False: Insecure attachment can lead to difficulties in relationships later in life.
True.
What is the significance of the caregiver’s sensitivity to a child’s needs?
It significantly influences the type of attachment style the child develops.
What is a key characteristic of securely attached children?
They feel safe to explore their environment.
Multiple Choice: Which attachment style is likely to lead to a child being overly clingy?
B) Anxious-ambivalent.
What did Mary Main contribute to attachment theory?
She introduced the concept of disorganized attachment.
What is the primary focus of attachment theory in adults?
How early attachment experiences influence adult relationships.
Fill in the blank: The ___ is a measure of adult attachment styles.
Adult Attachment Interview (AAI).
What is the difference between secure and insecure attachment?
Secure attachment is characterized by trust and comfort with intimacy, while insecure attachment involves anxiety or avoidance in relationships.
True or False: Attachment theory only applies to parent-child relationships.
False.
What can influence a child’s attachment style aside from the caregiver’s behavior?
Environmental factors, including stability, trauma, and socio-economic status.
What is the effect of maternal depression on attachment?
It can lead to insecure attachment styles in children.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of attachment style?
C) Socially avoidant.
Fill in the blank: The concept of ___ refers to the emotional bond that develops between a child and their caregiver.
attachment.
What does the term ‘attachment behavior’ refer to?
Actions by the child that promote proximity to the caregiver, such as crying or clinging.
True or False: Attachment styles can affect mental health outcomes.
True.
What is the impact of a secure attachment on a child’s future relationships?
They are more likely to form healthy, trusting relationships.
What does the term ‘separation anxiety’ indicate?
A child’s distress when separated from their primary caregiver.
What is the role of play in attachment?
Play is a way for children to express their attachment needs and feelings.
Multiple Choice: What type of attachment is characterized by inconsistent caregiving?
A) Anxious-ambivalent.
Fill in the blank: Secure attachment is often linked to ___ parenting.
sensitive.
What is the link between attachment and empathy?
Secure attachment is associated with higher levels of empathy in children.
True or False: Children with disorganized attachment show clear patterns of behavior.
False.
What is the significance of the ‘secure base’ concept?
It refers to how a caregiver provides a safe haven from which a child can explore the world.
What is the impact of inconsistent caregiving on attachment?
It can lead to anxious-ambivalent or disorganized attachment styles.
Multiple Choice: Which attachment style is characterized by a lack of trust?
C) Anxious-avoidant.
Fill in the blank: Children with secure attachment tend to have better ___ skills.
social.
What is the role of fathers in attachment theory?
Fathers also play a crucial role in attachment and can influence the child’s attachment style.
True or False: Attachment styles are fixed and cannot change.
False.
What is the ‘attachment system’?
A biologically based system that motivates infants to seek proximity to caregivers.
Multiple Choice: Which type of attachment is often seen in children who have experienced neglect?
D) Disorganized.
Fill in the blank: The quality of attachment can influence a child’s ___ development.
emotional.
What is the purpose of the Adult Attachment Interview?
To assess an individual’s attachment style and how it relates to their childhood experiences.
True or False: Securely attached individuals are generally more satisfied in their relationships.
True.
What is the significance of early attachment experiences?
They shape future relationship patterns and emotional well-being.
Multiple Choice: Which attachment style is often associated with emotional dysregulation?
B) Anxious-ambivalent.
Fill in the blank: A secure attachment fosters a sense of ___ in children.
safety.
What does it mean if a child exhibits avoidant behavior towards a caregiver?
It may indicate an anxious-avoidant attachment style.
True or False: Attachment theory has implications for understanding adult romantic relationships.
True.
What is the relationship between attachment and resilience?
Secure attachment is linked to greater resilience in the face of adversity.
What role does culture play in attachment styles?
Cultural norms can influence caregiving practices and perceptions of attachment.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of anxious-avoidant attachment?
A) Emotional distance.
Fill in the blank: The term ___ refers to the emotional and physical closeness between a caregiver and child.
bonding.
What is the effect of secure attachment on cognitive development?
It is associated with better cognitive outcomes and learning abilities.
True or False: Children with insecure attachments are more likely to experience behavioral problems.
True.
What is the impact of trauma on attachment?
Trauma can disrupt secure attachment and lead to insecure attachment styles.
Multiple Choice: Which attachment style is most likely to result in a child being overly independent?
C) Anxious-avoidant.
Fill in the blank: Children with ___ attachment may struggle with self-esteem issues.
insecure.
What is the connection between attachment and mental health?
Insecure attachment is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression.
True or False: Attachment styles developed in childhood can influence parenting styles.
True.
