WK9: Attachment Flashcards
What is attachment?
- The bond an infant forms with the primary caregiver.
- Inflicts Feelings of content and comfort.
What is attachment styles?
The different forms the bond can take between infant and caregiver
What are attachment behaviours?
An examination of a child’s attachment style can be done by observing their responses to different situations,
Human attachment and evolution
- Babies born long before brain development is complete
- Need intense, proximal care in early childhood
Bowlby attachment theory
- “internal working model of attachment.” which id shaped by early attachment to caregivers.
- Influences perception and reactions to relationships.
Ainsworth
- worked with Bowlby to build on attachment theory
- created 4 attachment styles
- created the Strange Situation procedure to assess the attachment style
What are the 4 attachment styles?
- secure
- ambivalent
- avoidant
- disorganised
Secure attachment
- distress when alone
- seeks proximity and contact when returns
Ambivalent attachment
- intense distress when mum leaves
- approaches mum when returns, but will avoid contact and will push away
Avoidant attachment
- no distress when mum leaves
- and little interest in mothers return
Disorganised attachment
No obvious patterns to babies behaviour. Results vary and are inconsistent/bizarre
Universality hypothesis
Babies universally form attachments.
Normativity hypothesis
In non-threatening environments, most get secure attachments.
Sensitivity hypothesis
Secure attachment relies on prompt caregiver responses.
Competence hypothesis
Positive child outcomes link to secure attachment.
