Developmental Psychology Attachment

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Attachment

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an emotinal bond between two people that endures over time and physical separation, and leads to protection of the infant

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Explanation of the learning theory: Mary Ainsworth

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classical conditioning: learning through association. This theory consists of a signal which creates a stimulus and then a response. The parent (feeder) becomes associated with pleasure as they provide the food.

operant conditioning: learning through reward, a pleasant consequence is reinforced, and a punishment will not be repeated. Aninfant crying is then rewarded with pleasure- food therefore crying is reinforced.

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strengths of the learning theory

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strength: this can provide an adequate explanation of how attachments are formed, however food may not be the main reinforcer, it could be attention and responsiveness shown by the study Harlow 1959 (monkeys)

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explanations of Bolwby's theory

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bowlby's theorys is influenced by Darwins theory of evolution and Bolwby believes all infants are born with an innate drive to survive and reproduce. This involves immediately creating a strong attachment with a caregiver who is then able to protect and feed them. This theor sugests that infants have adaptive behaviours to survive.

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Bolwby attachment theory components

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sensitive period: an innate behaviour when an infant develops an attachment with their caregiver soon after being born, within a limited ammount of time.

adaptive caregiving: this innate drive is created by the infant having social releases - certain characteristics to enhance survival by being cared for these features include smiling and crying.

a secure base: a safe environment created by the parent which an infant can explore with a safe place to retreat back to.

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Bolwby attachment theory components

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a secure base: a safe environment created by the parent which an infant can explore with a safe place to retreat back to.

monotrophy+hierarchy: the infant is biqas towards one parent - primary attachment. this is the most responsive adult, the second one is used to create social skills

continuity hypothesis: whatever emotional bond created will influence when older

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bolwbys theory strengths and limitations

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limitations: cultural variations can be an issue subject to attachment influences as some countires- western promote independance and being securely attached whereas japan believes in dependance

strength: Lorenz supports the innate behaviour from his study with the goslings. Hodges and Tizard proved without a sensitive period people find it hard to socialize

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types of attachment: Mary Ainsworth (1978)

Strange Situation

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a study investigated separation from a caregiver testing stranger and separation anxiety. in a small room a group of observers recorded every 15 seconds the way a baby acted when present with parent, then parent ad stranger, then stranger, then alone ad then greeted by parent again.

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Four types of attachment

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secure attachment 62% most popular: interacts with caregiver, seeks social interaction, explores and seeks comfort on re-arrival

insecure avoidant 15%: anxious avoiding social and and intimate interaction, with no emotion

insecure resistant 9%: seeks and rejects all emotion and angrily resists comfort from parent

disorganised 15%: shows mixed emotions, fearful and severe stress (inconsistant)

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limitations of learning theory

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limitation: the learning thory is mostly based on non human animals, therefore the results may not be as valid as humans are more influenced by emotions and an innate drive.