Attachment Theory

Question 1

What is attachment?

Answer 1

An emotional bond b/w infant and CG.
Infant see’s CG as a protective figure, security, haven of safety, and misses in absence.

Question 2

What is the developmental sequence of attachment? Give ages.

Answer 2

1. Babies born with “social release behaviors” which enlists proximity and care from CG (0-8 wks)
2. Infants start responding differently to familiar and unfamiliar people - still friendly to strangers (2-4 mo)
3. Infant seeks comfort from 1 CG, fears strangers and separation (6-9 mo)

Question 3

What did the Strange Situation assess and how was it conducted?

Answer 3

Assessed how infants respond to a series of intros, separations, and reunions b/w CG and a stranger.

Question 4

What are the 4 attachment styles?

Answer 4

Secure: Infants seek proximity upon return and calms down
Insecure-avoidant: Infant avoids proximity upon reunion
Insecure-resistant: Infant seeks proximity, but angrily resists comfort
Disorganized: Infant lacks organized manner for dealing with stress

Question 5

What kind of parenting are these attachment styles linked to?

Answer 5

Secure: Parents are sensitive to signals and are available
Insecure-avoidant: Parents are rejecting and distant, ignore or don’t respond to signals
Insecure-resistant: Parents are inconsistent with availability, rather ignore than interfere
Disorganized: parents are depressed or abusive

Question 6

What other factors affect the development of an attachment pattern?

Answer 6

Child characteristics, family factors, cultural influence