The developmental psychology of attachment

Question 1

Evolutionary theory

Answer 1

• adaptive value
• attached organisms are more like to survive

Question 2

Imprinting

Answer 2

• hours or days
• precocial birds
• really quick attachments

Question 3

Critical periods

Answer 3

• dogs
• 3-12 weeks

Question 4

Sensitive periods

Answer 4

• monkeys
• 3-6 months

Question 5

True attachment

Answer 5

• humans
• 6 to 18 months

Question 6

French orphanage children - high death rates in those with no maternal contact

Question 7

Bowlby’s 1st stage

Answer 7

• preattachment (birth to 6 weeks)
• use cries, eye contact, imitation

Question 8

Bowlby’s 2nd stage

Answer 8

• attachment in the making (6 weeks to 6-8 months)
• preference for primary caretaker but will still be friendly and playful with most

Question 9

Bowlby’s 3rd stage

Answer 9

• True attachment (6-8 months to 1 1/2 years)
• enduring attachment where the caretaker is not replaceable
• anxiety

Question 10

Bowlby’s 4th stage

Answer 10

• reciprocal relationships (1 1/2 to 2 years onward)
• mutuality with primary caretakers
• more willing to interact with unfamiliar adults
• increase language and cognitive abilities to help maintain nearness to parents

Question 11

Bowlby’s developmental goal!!!! What is it?

Answer 11

• establishment of a clear hierarchy (a stranger won’t help them calm down they need their primary caretaker which is usually their mother)