Attachment

Question 1

Orientation and Signals w/out Discrimination of Figure

Answer 1

• Baby cries, visual tracking, look at focus, smile, reach, grasp, cling, quiets w/ auditory input

*Babies move and respond to stimuli in ways that elicit care and caregiver interest, but infant doesn’t discriminate b/t caregivers

• Infant behaviors lead to physical contact & warmth, as well as nutrition
• Infant sensory system makes it likely they will respond to the caregivers

** Birth - 12 wks, up to 6M **

Question 2

Orientation to Signals Directed Towards 1 & Discriminated Figures

Answer 2

Increased complexity of behaviors; more control established; begins to discriminate b/t caregivers; different behaviors to each caregiver

Patterns of infant-caregiver attachment developed in this phase lay groundwork for later attachment

Stopping crying, smiling, or vocalizing w/ appearance of specific caregiver, crying when caregiver leaves, seek caregiver

Gradual shift from 3-6M; different ages for different behaviors

Question 3

Maintenance of Proximity to a Discriminated Figure by Locomotion

Answer 3

6-7M start; continue through 2-3 y/o;
True attachment to primary caregiver established; approach/withdraw behavior dominates, locomotion assists w/ behavior; stranger danger (6-24M) establishes

Readiness to form attachment persists until 1 y/o; less adaptive if formed later

By 18M, have primary caregiver, but can ad do attach to others; still choose primary over others;

2 y/o –> same as 1 y/o; 3 y/o willing to be left, distress when left along; 4 y/o leave and return w/ familiar people

Question 4

Implication of the Partnership for the Organization of Attachment Behavior

Answer 4

Preschool years
Ability to engage in a partnership of negotiating shared plans for proximity

By 4 y/o, child can function in partnership not dependent on physical proximity and physical contact; availability of attachment figure is most important over time