Theories Of Attachment

Question 1

Bowlby’s theory of attachment

Answer 1

Originated during the (1930s nature)
He believed that children were biologically preprogrammed to form attachments and that infancy is critical period for forming positive attachments.

Led him to consider problems associated with early separation from the primary caregiver

He observed that children experienced separation anxiety and intense distress when separated from their mothers

He also suggested that attachment could be understood as evolving from the caregiver pro binding safety and security for the infant

According to Bowlby infants have an universal need to seek close proximity with their caregivers when under stress of feeling threatened

Question 2

Bowlby’s criticisms

Answer 2

• Oversimplified his theory
• Rutter argues that matter all deprivation in itself may not result in long term problems and he suggests that privation is far from damaging and happens when a child did not have the opportunity to formed attachments

While Bowlby suggests that attachment is something natural a biological process. Others suggest that is learned behaviour influenced by factors such as environment, culture and on the baby temperament

Question 3

Schaffer and Emerson’s stages of attachment

Answer 3

(1964) identified a sequence in the development of attachment.
Birth to 3 months: responds to any caregiver
4-7 months: shows preference for primary caregiver but accepts care from others
7-9 months: prefers primary caregiver and seeks comfort from them , unhappy when separated and shows fear of strangers
10 months +: beings to develop attachments with others who respond to them. By 18 moths most infants have formed multiple attachments

Question 4

Ainsworth’s strange situation classification (SSC)

Answer 4

Mary Ainsworth classified attachments into three main types: secure, insecure/avoidant and insecure/ resistant 

Secure: ( patenting style) in tune with the child and their emotions
(Infants’ behaviour): wills how distress when primary caregiver leaves and greets them when they return, seeks comfort from caregiver when upset, happy with strangers when caregiver is present

Insecure/avoidant: (parenting styles): unavailable to child and rejects them
( infants’ behaviour): does not slow distress when primary caregiver leaves continues to explore the environment may go to a stranger for comfort

Insecure/ resistant: ( parenting style): inconsistent in meeting the child’s needs
(Infants’ behaviour): shows distress when primary caregiver leaves but resist constant on their return, shows anxiety and insecurity

Question 5

Causes why attachments may not go smoothly

Answer 5

• prematurity
• disability
• foster care/ adoption
• separation
• post natal depression