Attachment
The Attachment Theory maintains that the bond between an infant and his or her primary caregiver greatly influences personality, cognitive ability, and relationships throughout life. Psychologist Mary Ainsworth studied attachment patterns through an experiment known as the Strange Situation in which a mother left a child in a room for short period of time either alone or with a stranger; the child’s behavior was assessed when the mother left and when she returned. Three different patterns were observed. They are secure attachment, avoidant attachment, and ambivalent attachment. Later research labeled a fourth attachment pattern as disorganized or disoriented (Papalia & Martorell, 20xx).
The most common type of attachment pattern observed was secure attachment in which the infant cried when the mother left and was quickly comforted when the mother returned. Secure attachment is established when a mother is consistently responsive to the babies needs. The baby trusts that the parent will be available when needed and grows to expect that their needs will be met. Mothers who have a secure attachment with their …show more content…
Ambivalent attachment is established when inconsistent care giving occurs. The mother or primary caregiver may be overly attentive to the child sometimes and unresponsive at other times. This pattern may occur when the mother is dealing with other stressors such as financial problems or marital difficulties. A single mother may be exhausted from working two jobs and feel physically or emotionally unable to spend quality time with the child. These children may be fearful or easily angered. They may be self-conscious and dependant on others. They may have difficulty developing trusting relationships in adulthood, perhaps leading to marital
The Attachment Theory maintains that the bond between an infant and his or her primary caregiver greatly influences personality, cognitive ability, and relationships throughout life. Psychologist Mary Ainsworth studied attachment patterns through an experiment known as the Strange Situation in which a mother left a child in a room for short period of time either alone or with a stranger; the child’s behavior was assessed when the mother left and when she returned. Three different patterns were observed. They are secure attachment, avoidant attachment, and ambivalent attachment. Later research labeled a fourth attachment pattern as disorganized or disoriented (Papalia & Martorell, 20xx).
The most common type of attachment pattern observed was secure attachment in which the infant cried when the mother left and was quickly comforted when the mother returned. Secure attachment is established when a mother is consistently responsive to the babies needs. The baby trusts that the parent will be available when needed and grows to expect that their needs will be met. Mothers who have a secure attachment with their …show more content…
Ambivalent attachment is established when inconsistent care giving occurs. The mother or primary caregiver may be overly attentive to the child sometimes and unresponsive at other times. This pattern may occur when the mother is dealing with other stressors such as financial problems or marital difficulties. A single mother may be exhausted from working two jobs and feel physically or emotionally unable to spend quality time with the child. These children may be fearful or easily angered. They may be self-conscious and dependant on others. They may have difficulty developing trusting relationships in adulthood, perhaps leading to marital