Unit 2| part 2|Psychoanalytic Approaches: Contemporary Issues Flashcards
What is the Neo-Analytic Movement?
The Neo-Analytic Movement is a modern approach to psychoanalysis that modifies Freud’s classical theory, retaining some aspects while updating others based on contemporary understanding, particularly in child development, relationships, and conflicts.
How does contemporary psychoanalysis differ from classical psychoanalysis?
Contemporary psychoanalysts are less focused on the Id, superego, and repressed sexuality and do not view treatment as an “archaeological expedition” for memories. Instead, they focus on child development, relationships, and emotional conflicts.
What is the modern view on the role of the unconscious in the Neo-Analytic Movement?
The Neo-Analytic Movement still recognizes the broad role of the unconscious, but it does not emphasize it to the same extent as Freud did.
How is behavior understood in the Neo-Analytic Movement?
Behavior is often seen as a reflection of conflicts between emotions, motivations, and thoughts, showing a more complex interaction than Freud’s focus on just sexual or aggressive instincts.
What is the modern view on the role of childhood in personality development?
The Neo-Analytic Movement acknowledges the importance of childhood in shaping adult relationships and personality development, though not to the extreme extent that Freud proposed.
What is the significance of mental representations in the Neo-Analytic Movement?
Mental representations of self and relationships are viewed as important guides for how individuals interact with others, influencing their behavior and emotional responses.
How does the Neo-Analytic Movement view personality development?
Personality development is seen as not just about controlling aggressive and sexual impulses, but also about developing mature, independent relationships with others.
What is the great debate regarding motivated repression of memories?
The debate revolves around whether memories, particularly traumatic ones, are actively repressed by the unconscious mind or whether recovered memories are false memories created through suggestion or other external factors.
What does Elizabeth Loftus suggest about recovered memories?
Elizabeth Loftus argues that we should not automatically conclude that all recovered memories are false or that they are true. There are multiple factors that could influence whether these memories are accurate.
What are some factors that Loftus identifies as influencing false memory creation?
Loftus suggests that various factors, such as self-help books, can influence people to create false memories, especially if these books suggest that abuse might have occurred, even when no such events took place.
How can self-help books contribute to the creation of false memories?
Self-help books, while comforting to some, can suggest the possibility of abuse in a way that leads individuals to create false memories, especially if they have no recollection but are encouraged to assume that they were abused because they exhibit certain symptoms.
What is the role of therapist behavior in memory formation, according to Loftus?
Loftus points out that therapist behavior can influence memory, especially through confirmation bias, hypnosis (which does not improve memory but can distort it), suggestive interviews, and misinterpretations of what patients recall.
How does hypnosis affect memory according to Loftus?
Loftus states that hypnosis does not improve memory but instead tends to increase distortions in memories, making them less reliable and more prone to inaccuracies.
What is confirmation bias, and how does it relate to memory?
Confirmation bias occurs when therapists (or individuals) focus on information that confirms their existing beliefs and ignore information that contradicts those beliefs. This can lead to the reinforcement of false memories by validating them without adequate evidence.
How do suggestive interviews contribute to false memories?
Suggestive interviews can influence a person’s recollection of events by asking leading questions or providing information that wasn’t part of the original memory, thus distorting the accuracy of the memory.
What is constructive memory?
Constructive memory refers to the idea that the mind can add or subtract details to a memory, altering what is actually recalled. The mind fills in gaps with information that seems to fit the context, which can lead to false memories or distortions.
How does constructive memory have implications in a police interview?
In a police interview, constructive memory could influence the way witnesses or suspects recall events. Leading questions or suggestive interviewing techniques could unintentionally cause them to remember details that didn’t actually occur or misremember important facts, leading to false testimonies or incorrect recollections.
What does constructive memory suggest about how our memories work?
Constructive memory suggests that memory is not a perfect recording of past events. Instead, the mind is actively involved in the construction of memory, often incorporating external information, suggestions, or prior knowledge, which can influence the accuracy of our recollections.
What does constructive memory refer to?
Constructive memory refers to the idea that the mind adds or subtracts details from what is remembered, shaping and sometimes distorting recollections.
How does constructive memory affect recollection?
The mind may fill in gaps or modify details based on previous knowledge or expectations, leading to altered memories.
How might the list of words (Nap, Mother, Bed, etc.) be used to illustrate constructive memory?
If asked to recall words from the list, a person may incorrectly “remember” the word “Sleep,” even though it wasn’t on the list, because the mind constructs this detail based on associations with the other words.
Why is it important to be cautious during police interviews?
Given that memories can be shaped or distorted by the interview process, including the use of suggestive questioning, it’s important to ensure that recollections are not influenced by external factors or biases.
What is one example of how suggestive questioning can impact memory?
Asking leading questions (e.g., “Was the suspect wearing a blue shirt?”) can influence a witness to incorporate details that were not part of the original memory.
What was the role of the unconscious in classical psychoanalytic theory?
In classical psychoanalysis, the unconscious was seen as the center of motivation, influencing behavior, often driven by repressed desires or impulses.
How do contemporary views on the unconscious differ from Freud’s ideas?
While contemporary theories still believe in the unconscious, they don’t always agree with Freud’s idea that the unconscious has its own autonomous motivation. They view it from different perspectives.
What is the concept of unconscious cognition?
Unconscious cognition refers to information entering our memory without us being aware of it. The content of the unconscious mind operates like the conscious mind, but it’s not in consciousness due to how it was encoded, not repression or unacceptable desires
How does unconscious cognition influence our behavior?
It affects our actions and reactions because information processed unconsciously can shape our perceptions, thoughts, and behavior without us being consciously aware of it.
What is unconscious motivation?
Unconscious motivation refers to the influence of unconscious processes on our behavior, without necessarily involving repressed desires or unacceptable impulses.
How do unconscious cognition and unconscious motivation differ?
Unconscious cognition involves the unconscious processing of information, while unconscious motivation focuses on how unconscious factors influence our behavior.
Can unconscious processes influence behavior without being caused by repression, according to contemporary views?
Yes, contemporary views suggest that unconscious influences on behavior can occur without being driven by repression or the need to manage unacceptable impulses.
What role does encoding play in unconscious cognition?
Information may be encoded in a way that it stays in the unconscious, not due to its emotional or unacceptable content, but because of how it was stored in memory.
How did the focus of early Freudian psychoanalysis differ from later perspectives on the ego?
Early psychoanalysis was focused mainly on the “id” and how the ego and superego responded to its impulses. Later psychoanalysts, like Erikson, gave more importance to the role of the ego in personality development.
Who was Erik Erikson and what was his contribution to ego psychology?
Erik Erikson, a student of Freud, emphasized the importance of the ego in developing one’s identity. He proposed that identity development was central to personality development.
What is an “identity crisis” according to Erikson?
An identity crisis is the desperation and confusion a person feels when they have not developed a strong sense of identity.
How did Erikson view identity in relation to personality development?
Erikson viewed identity as a key achievement in personality development, seeing it as the story a person develops about themselves.
How did Erikson’s views differ from Freud’s in terms of development?
Unlike Freud, who focused on sexual stages, Erikson saw personality development as a lifelong process that continued into old age, with identity being a crucial aspect throughout.
What did Erikson emphasize about Freud’s latency stage?
Erikson considered Freud’s latency stage important because it is a time when individuals begin to learn essential skills like working, relating to others, and achieving goals.
How many stages of development did Erikson propose, and what is their significance?
Erikson proposed 8 stages of psychosocial development, each involving identity crises or conflicts. These stages are essential in the development of personality and the resolution of key psychosocial conflicts.
What did Erikson mean by “fixation” in his theory?
Erikson maintained the idea of fixation, where individuals may struggle to move past certain stages of development due to unresolved conflicts or crises.
What is the central conflict during Erikson’s first stage of development (Infancy)?
The central conflict is Basic Trust versus Mistrust. The infant depends on others to meet basic needs.
What does the development of trust in infancy look like?
Trust develops when the infant experiences security and confidence, such as sleeping well, eating easily, and having regular bowel movements. The child trusts that caregivers will return after being briefly separated.
What role do caregivers play in the development of trust in infancy?
Caregivers need to be caring and affectionate. Their consistent presence and responsiveness help the child develop a sense of trust.
What are signs of mistrust in infancy?
Mistrust is indicated by irregular sleep, protests when fed, constipation, and increased separation anxiety.
How do caregivers’ behaviors contribute to mistrust in infancy?
Caregivers’ changing treatment, emotional unavailability, and rejection can lead to the development of mistrust.
What is the significance of developing basic trust in infancy?
Developing trust provides a foundation for believing that the world is predictable and that wishes and desires are achievable. It fosters an optimistic view of life.
How does mistrust affect the infant’s worldview?
Mistrust can lead to difficulties in forming positive expectations, making it harder to trust others and view the world as a safe and reliable place.
What key virtue emerges from the resolution of Basic Trust versus Mistrust?
Hope emerges as the key virtue, allowing the child to have confidence that desires and wishes can be fulfilled.
What is the central conflict during Erikson’s second stage of development (Toddler)?
The central conflict is Autonomy versus Shame & Doubt, where the child tries to gain control over their actions.
What does the development of autonomy in toddlers look like?
Autonomy is reflected in the child gaining bladder and bowel control, as well as developing adequate self-control with respect to toilet training. They also interact more effectively with others.
How do caregivers contribute to the development of autonomy in toddlers?
Supportive caregivers allow the child to explore and act on their own, helping them feel confident and capable of managing their own actions.
What does shame and doubt look like in toddlers?
Shame and doubt arise when a child’s efforts to interact with others result in failure, ridicule, or criticism. It also happens if the child fails to meet parental expectations or if parents prevent the child from acting independently.
How do parents’ behaviors influence the development of shame and doubt?
Parents who don’t allow the child to act on their own or who criticize the child’s efforts can lead to feelings of shame and doubt.
What key aspects of development are influenced by this stage (Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt)?
This stage is decisive for the development of love, cooperation, willfulness, freedom, and self-expression.
What can happen if the toddler successfully navigates the conflict of Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt?
If successful, the child develops a sense of autonomy, gaining confidence in their abilities and a sense of independence.
What is the key virtue that emerges from resolving the Autonomy vs Shame & Doubt conflict?
The key virtue that emerges is Willpower, as the child gains the confidence to assert themselves and explore their independence.
What is the central conflict during Erikson’s third stage of development (Pre-schooler)?
The central conflict is Initiative versus Guilt, where the child develops a desire to exert influence and manipulate objects, while trying to impose their will.
What does the development of initiative in preschoolers look like?
Initiative is shown through curiosity, exploration, and manipulation of the world. Preschoolers often ask questions about how things work and seek to understand what can happen.
How do preschoolers demonstrate initiative?
Preschoolers demonstrate initiative by exploring their environment, trying new things, and asking many questions to learn about the world around them.
What can lead to guilt in preschoolers?
Guilt arises when a child’s initiative is punished or leads to disapproval, such as when asking too many questions annoys adults or when the child’s actions are criticized.
How do adults’ reactions influence the development of guilt in preschoolers?
Adults who punish, ridicule, or dismiss the child’s questions or actions can contribute to feelings of guilt, making the child hesitant to act or explore.
What happens when conflict is well-managed in this stage?
If the conflict is managed well, the child will gain the courage to pursue worthwhile goals without fear of punishment, and their initiative will be nurtured.
What is the key virtue that emerges from resolving the Initiative vs Guilt conflict?
The key virtue that emerges is Purpose, as the child learns to pursue goals with confidence and a sense of direction.
How does guilt affect the preschooler’s behavior?
Guilt can make the child hesitant to act or ask questions, limiting their curiosity and willingness to explore and take initiative.
What is the central conflict during Erikson’s fourth stage of development (Grade-schooler)?
The central conflict is Industry versus Inferiority, where children feel pressure to be industrious (hardworking) and meet the expectations of others.
What does the development of industry in grade-schoolers look like?
Industry is shown when children prefer activities based on reality, demonstrate high ability to link effort with results, and show success in school (e.g., better grades). They also conform to socially desirable behaviors.
How do grade-schoolers demonstrate industry in their behavior?
They prefer real, concrete activities, show agreement with socially accepted statements, and work hard to achieve their goals. Their ability to distinguish effort as a path to success becomes clear.
What can lead to inferiority in grade-schoolers?
Inferiority arises when children prefer fantasy-based activities, feel they lack the ability to perform required tasks, or are told by others that they are not performing well enough.
How do others’ judgments affect the development of inferiority?
If children are told they are not doing things well, or that their performance is morally wrong, they may develop feelings of inferiority, doubting their abilities to succeed.
What is the role of social comparison in this stage?
Social comparison is important in this stage. Children compare their performance to others and are sensitive to how their achievements are judged by peers, teachers, and parents.
What is the key virtue that emerges from resolving the Industry vs Inferiority conflict?
The key virtue is Competence, as children develop the confidence and skills to meet challenges and accomplish tasks in ways that are valued by society.
How does inferiority affect the grade-schooler’s development?
Feelings of inferiority can undermine the child’s confidence and hinder their willingness to try new tasks, possibly leading them to avoid situations where they fear failure or judgment.
What is the central conflict during Erikson’s fifth stage of development (Teenager)?
The central conflict is Identity vs Role Confusion, where adolescents face physical changes and break from the past to decide who they are.
What does the development of identity look like for teenagers?
Identity involves the integrated sense of self, consolidating self-perceptions from previous stages, and integrating others’ perceptions of you. It’s a process of forming an identity with the influence of others.
How is identity built according to Erikson?
Identity is built through self-reflection and the perceptions of others, creating a coherent sense of who the person is based on their experiences, relationships, and values.
What does role confusion look like in teenagers?
Role confusion occurs when the teenager feels that no role seems to match their sense of self, leading to uncertainty about their career, educational goals, and personal identity.
What are the signs of role confusion in adolescence?
Signs include difficulty selecting a career or educational path, over-identification with popular heroes or groups, and a lack of clarity about personal values and goals.
How does role confusion extend beyond adolescence?
Role confusion can extend into adulthood if a person struggles to resolve their identity, making it difficult to find stability in relationships, work, and life goals.
What key virtue is developed during the Identity vs Role Confusion conflict?
The key virtue that emerges is Fidelity, the ability to live up to one’s authentic self despite contradictions or conflicts in personal values.
How does identity formation impact a teenager’s future development?
Successfully forming an identity allows teenagers to navigate the challenges of adulthood with confidence, resilience, and a clear sense of direction, while unresolved role confusion can lead to instability.
What is the central conflict during Erikson’s sixth stage of development (Young Adult)?
The central conflict is Intimacy vs Isolation, where the focus is on establishing close, warm relationships with others, leading to a sense of commitment.
What does the development of intimacy look like for young adults?
Intimacy involves committing to a relationship without losing one’s identity. It requires a careful, open approach to relationships, willingness to share important aspects of oneself, and being receptive to others’ revelations.
What is required for intimacy in relationships?
A strong sense of self-identity is essential for intimacy, allowing individuals to form deep, meaningful connections with others without fear of losing their sense of self.
What does isolation look like for young adults?
Isolation occurs when individuals feel separated from others and are unable to commit to relationships. This can involve emotional loneliness, withdrawal, and self-absorption.
How does isolation manifest in behavior?
Isolation can lead to withdrawal, where individuals avoid forming close connections, either due to fear of losing their independence or an inability to be vulnerable and open with others.
What are the consequences of isolation in young adulthood?
Isolation can lead to emotional loneliness, a lack of meaningful connections, and difficulty forming relationships due to a fear of commitment or emotional vulnerability.
What is the key virtue developed during the Intimacy vs Isolation conflict?
The key virtue is Love, as young adults learn to build deep, committed relationships based on mutual understanding and emotional closeness.
Why is intimacy only possible with a strong sense of identity?
A strong sense of identity allows individuals to be authentic in relationships, maintaining their personal sense of self while also connecting with others, ensuring that intimacy does not lead to losing one’s individuality.
What is the central conflict during Erikson’s seventh stage of development (Middle-Age Adult)?
The central conflict is Generativity vs Stagnation, where adults focus on creating and guiding the next generation and contributing to the world, versus becoming self-centered and complacent.
What does the development of generativity look like in middle-aged adults?
Generativity involves creating things that transcend oneself, such as guiding the growth of the next generation, teaching, creating ideas or objects, and contributing to the future in meaningful ways.
What activities exemplify generativity?
Generativity is shown in activities like mentoring others, raising children, contributing to the community, creating impactful work, and leaving a positive legacy that influences the future.
What is stagnation in middle adulthood?
Stagnation is characterized by self-centeredness, complacency, and a lack of involvement in the world. People experiencing stagnation focus only on their own concerns, often neglecting the needs of others.
How does stagnation manifest in middle-aged adults?
Stagnation can result in personal isolation, emotional emptiness, and a lack of meaningful contribution to the future, leaving individuals feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.
What is the key virtue developed during the Generativity vs Stagnation conflict?
The key virtue is Care, which involves expanding one’s concern for others and what they contribute to the world, fostering a sense of responsibility for future generations.
How does generativity contribute to a sense of purpose?
Generativity provides a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose by creating a lasting impact on others and on the world, ensuring that one’s legacy is meaningful and contributes to future growth
What are the consequences of stagnation in middle adulthood?
Stagnation leads to personal impoverishment, where individuals become self-absorbed, disengage from the world, and fail to leave a meaningful mark on others or the future.
What is the central conflict during Erikson’s eighth stage of development (Older Adult)?
The central conflict is Ego Integrity vs Despair, where older adults reflect on their lives, reviewing the choices they made and their achievements.
What does ego integrity look like for older adults?
Ego integrity involves feeling that life has had order and meaning. Individuals accept the decisions they’ve made, feel satisfaction with their accomplishments, and believe they would make similar choices if given the chance.
What is the feeling of satisfaction associated with ego integrity?
Satisfaction comes from the sense that life was lived well, with the individual believing that most of their choices were worthwhile and that they would make the same decisions again.
What does despair look like in older adults?
Despair occurs when individuals feel that life was wasted, wish they had done things differently, and feel bitter about their inability to change past choices.
What are the emotional consequences of despair in older adults?
Despair leads to feelings of regret, bitterness, and a sense of wasted time. There is a longing to change past decisions, but the realization that it is too late to do so.
What is the key virtue developed during the Ego Integrity vs Despair conflict?
The key virtue is Wisdom, which involves a deep understanding of life and a capacity for benevolence, creating meaning, and having an active concern for life and personal growth, even in the final stages of life.
How does ego integrity affect an older adult’s perception of their life?
Ego integrity allows older adults to look back on their lives with acceptance and pride, feeling that their lives have had purpose, order, and meaning.
What happens when an older adult experiences despair?
Despair leads to a negative outlook on life, with feelings of hopelessness and a sense of lost opportunities, often preventing the individual from experiencing peace in their final years.
What is the basic idea behind Marcia’s theory of identity development?
Marcia’s theory suggests that the development of a mature identity involves experiencing a crisis (exploration) and then making a commitment to certain values, goals, or choices.
What are the four identity statuses in Marcia’s theory?
The four identity statuses are Identity Achievement, Identity Foreclosure, Moratorium, and Identity Diffusion.
What does Identity Achievement mean in Marcia’s theory?
Identity Achievement occurs when an individual has gone through a crisis, explored different options, and made a firm commitment to their identity, values, and goals.
What is Identity Foreclosure?
Identity Foreclosure happens when an individual commits to an identity without going through a crisis or exploration, often adopting the values and choices of others (e.g., parents) without question.
What does Moratorium mean in Marcia’s theory?
Moratorium refers to a period of active exploration and crisis where individuals are actively seeking and considering different options but have not yet made a firm commitment.
What What is Identity Diffusion?
Identity Diffusion is when an individual has neither gone through a crisis nor made a commitment to any identity. They may feel uncertain, directionless, or indifferent to establishing their sense of self.
How does exploration relate to identity development?
Exploration (or crisis) is a crucial part of developing a mature identity. It involves questioning, evaluating, and trying out different roles, values, and choices before making a firm commitment.
What role does commitment play in achieving a mature identity?
Commitment involves making decisions about one’s values, goals, and beliefs, which is the result of the exploration phase. It provides stability and direction, marking the transition to Identity Achievement.
How does Marcia’s theory build on Erikson’s idea of identity development?
Marcia’s theory expands on Erikson’s concept of identity formation by outlining the process of crisis and commitment and identifying specific statuses that describe where individuals are in their journey toward a mature identity.
Who was Karen Horney, and what was her major contribution to psychoanalysis?
Karen Horney (1885–1952) was a pioneering psychoanalyst who questioned some of Freud’s ideas and introduced a more feminist view of personality development, emphasizing cultural and historical influences.
How did Karen Horney reinterpret Freud’s concept of penis envy?
Horney reinterpreted penis envy not as envy of a male organ, but as a symbol of social power. She suggested that women may envy men for the power and status they hold in society, rather than for their anatomy.
What did Karen Horney believe about gender differences?
Horney was the first to distinguish between gender differences (traits or roles typically associated with a gender) and sex differences (biological characteristics). She emphasized that cultural and social factors play a significant role in shaping personality and gender roles.
How did Karen Horney explain the fear of success in women?
Horney explained that women’s fear of success could stem from social pressures where success could threaten relationships. Women might feel that gaining status through success could result in the loss of friendships or be seen as a threat by others.
What role did cultural and historical factors play in Horney’s view of personality development?
Horney emphasized the importance of cultural and historical determinants in shaping personality, recognizing that societal expectations and cultural norms have a significant impact on individuals’ psychological development.
What did Karen Horney challenge in Freudian psychoanalysis?
Horney challenged Freud’s paternalistic views, particularly his views on female psychology, and developed a more feminist interpretation of psychoanalysis, which questioned the notion that women’s psychological issues were inherently linked to biological deficiencies.
What is Horney’s feminist interpretation of psychoanalysis focused on?
Horney’s feminist interpretation focused on social power as a key factor in understanding women’s development, shifting away from biological determinism and focusing on how social structures influence gender roles and personality.
How did Karen Horney’s ideas differ from Freud’s regarding the role of women?
While Freud saw women’s psychological difficulties as stemming from innate biological factors (e.g., penis envy), Horney argued that these issues were more a product of cultural and social influences, emphasizing the role of gendered power structures in shaping women’s lives.
What is the core focus of Object Relations Theory?
Object Relations Theory focuses on the importance of social relationships, particularly those with significant others (especially parents), and how these relationships shape the development of personality.
How does Object Relations Theory differ from Freudian psychoanalysis?
While Freudian theory emphasizes psychosexual development, Object Relations Theory emphasizes the importance of relationships (especially with primary caregivers) in shaping personality, rather than focusing solely on sexual stages and drives
According to Object Relations Theory, what is more important than sexuality in shaping personality?
Relationships with significant others, especially with primary caregivers like the mother, are more important than sexual impulses, desires, or longings in shaping an individual’s personality.
How are relationships internalized according to Object Relations Theory?
Relationships, particularly with the mother (or primary caregiver), are internalized as mental objects—representations in the mind that influence an individual’s future relationships and sense of self.
What is the significance of the mother’s role in Object Relations Theory?
The mother (or primary caregiver) plays a crucial role in whether an individual internalizes them as a loving, protective, and trustworthy object or as the opposite (e.g., neglectful, untrustworthy), which influences future relationship patterns and emotional development.
What does internalizing a caregiver as a positive “object” mean in Object Relations Theory?
nternalizing a caregiver as a positive object means forming a mental representation of them as caring, protective, and trustworthy, which leads to healthy emotional development and the ability to form secure relationships later in life.
What happens if an individual internalizes their caregiver as a negative object?
f the caregiver is internalized as a negative object, it can lead to difficulties in future relationships, including feelings of insecurity, mistrust, and emotional challenges in forming healthy connections with others.
What does Object Relations Theory suggest about the development of adult personality?
According to Object Relations Theory, adult personality is shaped more by early relationships (especially with caregivers) than by how one overcomes each stage of psychosexual development as proposed by Freud.
What did Harlow’s experiments with monkey babies demonstrate about attachment?
Harlow’s experiments with monkey babies showed that infants have an innate need for comfort and security, as they preferred to stay close to a soft, cloth-covered surrogate mother over a wire mother that provided food. This demonstrated the importance of emotional bonding.
Who is John Bowlby, and what was his contribution to attachment theory?
John Bowlby (1907–1990) focused on the attachment bond between infants and their mothers, observing that babies’ reactions to maternal separation varied. His work emphasized the importance of these early bonds for emotional development and future relationships.
According to Bowlby, what are the key reactions of babies when separated from their mothers?
Bowlby observed three main reactions in babies separated from their mothers:
Secure: Babies were confident that their mother would return and were happy when she did.
Separation anxiety: Babies showed distress but calmed when the mother returned.
Depression/Anger: Some babies remained upset even after the mother returned, showing signs of anger or emotional withdrawal.
What is Mary Ainsworth known for in the study of attachment?
Mary Ainsworth (1913–1999) developed the Strange Situation Procedure, a method to assess attachment styles in children based on their reactions to being left and reunited with their caregivers.
What are the three types of attachment identified by Ainsworth?
According to Ainsworth, the three main types of attachment are:
Secure attachment (66%): The child feels confident that their caregiver will return and is easily comforted upon reunion.
Anxious/ambivalent attachment (14%): The child shows distress and anxiety when separated, but is not easily comforted upon reunion.
Avoidant/evading attachment (20%): The child seems indifferent to separation and may avoid the caregiver upon reunion
What is the significance of secure attachment in early childhood?
Secure attachment is associated with positive outcomes in emotional development, where the child feels safe to explore the world, trusting that their caregiver will be available and responsive when needed.
What does anxious/ambivalent attachment indicate about a child’s early attachment experiences?
Anxious/ambivalent attachment suggests that the child may have experienced inconsistent caregiving, leading to uncertainty and insecurity about whether the caregiver will be available and responsive, resulting in emotional distress.
How does avoidant attachment affect a child’s behavior?
Avoidant attachment may develop when a child experiences neglect or emotional unavailability from a caregiver, leading them to suppress their emotions and avoid seeking comfort or closeness, even when distressed.
How do early childhood attachment styles influence adult relationships?
Early childhood attachment styles form working models that influence how individuals behave in adult relationships. These models shape unconscious expectations about trust, affection, and how to interact with others.
What are working models in the context of attachment theory?
Working models are internalized beliefs and expectations based on early childhood attachment experiences. These models guide how individuals perceive and interact with others in later relationships, including their views on trust, intimacy, and conflict.
What are the three main adult relationship styles based on childhood attachment?
The three adult relationship styles are:
Secure Relationship Style: Healthy, trusting relationships with balanced intimacy and independence.
Ambivalent Relationship Style: Anxious, dependent relationships with fear of abandonment and uncertainty.
Avoidant Relationship Style: Detached, self-reliant relationships with difficulty trusting or getting close to others.
Are the attachment styles in adulthood categorical or dimensional?
Attachment styles in adulthood are dimensional, meaning they exist on a continuum rather than in distinct categories. Individuals can exhibit varying degrees of secure, ambivalent, or avoidant behaviors.
How can first relationships serve in the development of later relationships?
First relationships, especially with primary caregivers, act as prototypes for later relationships. They influence how we approach intimacy, trust, and communication in adult romantic, familial, and platonic relationships.
What impact does secure attachment in childhood have on adult relationships?
Secure attachment in childhood typically leads to secure relationships in adulthood, where individuals are comfortable with intimacy, trust others, and are able to maintain healthy, interdependent relationships.
How do individuals with an ambivalent attachment style in childhood behave in adult relationships?
Individuals with an ambivalent attachment style in childhood may become overly dependent on their partners in adulthood, often exhibiting anxiety about abandonment and seeking constant reassurance, which can strain relationships.
How do individuals with an avoidant attachment style in childhood behave in adult relationships?
IndivIndividuals with an avoidant attachment style in childhood may struggle with emotional intimacy in adulthood, often keeping partners at a distance, avoiding vulnerability, and prioritizing self-sufficiency over connection.
If a person develops a particular attachment style in childhood, are they destined to live according to that style in adulthood?
No, while early childhood attachment styles influence adult relationships, later positive experiences can help overcome or modify these early attachment patterns. People are not destined to maintain their childhood attachment style throughout life.
Can negative childhood relationships be overcome in adulthood?
Yes, even unfortunate parenting experiences can be compensated for by later positive relationships and experiences. These later experiences can help reshape a person’s attachment style and improve their adult relationships.
How can an adult review their working model in object relations theory?
An adult can reflect on and reassess their internalized attachment patterns (working models) and, through new experiences or therapy, revise their beliefs and behaviors related to trust, intimacy, and relationships. This allows growth and change in how they approach relationships.
Is it possible for an individual to change their attachment style as an adult?
Yes, attachment styles are not fixed. Therapy, self-awareness, and positive relationships can help adults change their attachment behaviors, even if they had negative childhood attachment experiences.
What role do later positive experiences play in altering an individual’s attachment style?
Later positive experiences, such as healthy romantic relationships, supportive friendships, or successful therapy, can help reshape a person’s attachment style, allowing them to develop a more secure or balanced approach to relationships, even if their childhood attachment was insecure or avoidant.
