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.
Maternal responsivity
Mother can see things from her babies perspective. Alert to signals and can respond appropriately/promptly
Observations across cultures
Universality and normativity generally observed.
