Human Development and Attachment

Question 1

Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory (1950)

Answer 1

• helps understand the developmental context of people.
• recognizes the impact of relationships and society on the individual, which appears to be a large factor in the client’s current view of his life.
• one moves through each stage as one’s personality
• suggests that one’s personality continues to develop throughout through the entire lifespan.

Question 2

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Answer 2

• occurs during adolescence (12-18 years)
• adolescents search for a sense of self and personal identity through exploration of personal values, beliefs, and goals.
• the transition from childhood to adulthood is important.
• Children become more independent and look at the future in terms of career, relationships, families, housing, etc.

Question 3

Intimacy vs. Isolation Stage

Answer 3

• young adulthood (18 to 40 yrs)
• Major conflict centers on forming intimate, loving relationships with other people
• Successful completion of this stage can result in happy relationships and a sense of commitment, safety, and care within a relationship.
• Avoiding intimacy, fearing commitment and relationships can lead to isolation, loneliness, and sometimes depression.

Question 4

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Answer 4

• ages 40 to 65 yrs, middle adulthood
• generativity refers to “making your mark” on the world through creating or nurturing things that will outlast an individual. During middle age individuals experience a need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often having mentees or creating positive changes that will benefit other people.
• By failing to find a way to contribute, we become stagnant and feel unproductive. These individuals may feel disconnected or uninvolved with their community and with society as a whole.

Question 5

Psychosocial Development Stages 5-6

Answer 5

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion [Fidelity]
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation [Love]
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation [Care]

Question 6

Attachment Theory

Answer 6

• Bowlby and Ainsworth
• Attachment theory focuses on relationships and bonds (particularly long-term) between people, including those between a parent and child and between romantic partners.
• The main theme is that primary caregivers who are available and responsive to an infant’s needs allow the child to develop a sense of security. The infant learns that the caregiver is dependable, which creates a secure base for the child to then explore the world.

Question 7

Secure Attachment

Answer 7

• These infants showed distress upon separation but sought comfort and were easily comforted when the parents returned
• These adults are more likely to be satisfied with their relationships, feeling secure and connected to their partners without feeling the need to be together all the time.
• Their relationships are likely to feature honesty, support, independence, and deep emotional connections.

Question 8

Anxious Ambivalent Attachment

Answer 8

• Referred to as insecurely attached
• Characterized by high levels of anxiety
• Distressed when separated from their mothers
• Less likely to explore their environment after being reunited with caregiver

Question 9

Avoidant Attachment

Answer 9

• avoid or ignore caregiver after reunited with them
• appear unemotional during episodes of separation and reunion

Question 10

Disorganized-Disoriented Attachment

Answer 10

• Added attachment by Main and Soloman (1986, 1990)
• Contradicting behaviors - unable to predict
  
  • Avoid caregiver when reunited
  • Inclination to approach caregiver