attachment overview

Question 1

Bowlby’s monotropic theory

Answer 1

critical period = 0-2.5 years

Monotropy = child has innate need to attach to one main attachment figure

Internal Woking model = child’s relationship with primary caregiver provides internal working model which influences later relationship

Question 2

Classical conditioning as part of the learning theory as an explanation of attachment

Answer 2

Before attachment is learnt, the infant gains pleasure through being fed.

Food = unconditioned stimulus. Pleasure = unconditioned response

when infant being fed they associated the person providing the food with the food.

Caregiver = neutral stimulus which becomes unconditioned stimulus

when attachment leant, infant gains pleasure when care giver is present.

caregiver = conditioned stimulus. Pleasure = conditioned response

Question 3

Observations in the strange situation

Answer 3

willingness to explore
seperation anxiety
stranger anxiety
reunion behaviour

Question 4

insecure resistant

Answer 4

• clingy to mother in new situation
• not willing to explore
• extremely distressed when left alone by mother
• doesn’t interact with stranger
• pleased to see mother return but cannot be comforted and may show signs of anger towards her

Due to mother sometimes meeting needs of infant and sometimes not

Question 5

secure resistant

Answer 5

• upset when left alone by mother
• happy when mother returns. Seek contact with mother
• avoid stager when alone, but friendly when mother is present
• use mother as safe base to explore new environment

Due to mother meeting emotional needs of infant

Question 6

insecure avoidant

Answer 6

• unconcerned by mothers absence when she leaves room
• shows little interest when reunited with mother
• no motivation to interact with stagger or mother. Both treated similarly. Doesn’t seek contact

Due to mother ignoring emotional needs of infant