WK9: Attachment

Question 1

What is attachment?

Answer 1

• The bond an infant forms with the primary caregiver.
• Inflicts Feelings of content and comfort.

Question 2

What is attachment styles?

Answer 2

The different forms the bond can take between infant and caregiver

Question 3

What are attachment behaviours?

Answer 3

An examination of a child’s attachment style can be done by observing their responses to different situations,

Question 4

Human attachment and evolution

Answer 4

• Babies born long before brain development is complete
• Need intense, proximal care in early childhood

Question 5

Bowlby attachment theory

Answer 5

• “internal working model of attachment.” which id shaped by early attachment to caregivers.
• Influences perception and reactions to relationships.

Question 6

Ainsworth

Answer 6

• worked with Bowlby to build on attachment theory
• created 4 attachment styles
• created the Strange Situation procedure to assess the attachment style

Question 7

What are the 4 attachment styles?

Answer 7

• secure
• ambivalent
• avoidant
• disorganised

Question 8

Secure attachment

Answer 8

• distress when alone
• seeks proximity and contact when returns

Question 9

Ambivalent attachment

Answer 9

• intense distress when mum leaves
• approaches mum when returns, but will avoid contact and will push away

Question 10

Avoidant attachment

Answer 10

• no distress when mum leaves
• and little interest in mothers return

Question 11

Disorganised attachment

Answer 11

No obvious patterns to babies behaviour. Results vary and are inconsistent/bizarre

Question 12

Universality hypothesis

Answer 12

Babies universally form attachments.

Question 13

Normativity hypothesis

Answer 13

In non-threatening environments, most get secure attachments.

Question 14

Sensitivity hypothesis

Answer 14

Secure attachment relies on prompt caregiver responses.

Question 15

Competence hypothesis

Answer 15

Positive child outcomes link to secure attachment.

Question 16

Maternal responsivity

Answer 16

Mother can see things from her babies perspective. Alert to signals and can respond appropriately/promptly

Question 17

Observations across cultures

Answer 17

Universality and normativity generally observed.