Attachment Key Terms

Question 1

Reciprocity

Answer 1

A description of how two people interact. Mother-infant interaction is reciprocal in that both infant and mother respond to each other’s signals and each elicits a response from the other

Question 2

Interactional Synchrony

Answer 2

Mother and infant reflect both the actions and emotions of the other and do this in a co-ordinated/synchronised way

Question 3

Stages of Attachment

Answer 3

A sequence of qualitatively different behaviours linked to different ages. Some characteristics of the infants behaviour towards others change as the infant gets older

Question 4

Multiple Attachment

Answer 4

Attachments to two or more people Most babies appear to develop multiple attachments once they have formed a attachment to their main carer

Question 5

Animal Studies

Answer 5

A study carried out on non-human species either for ethical or practical reasons

Question 6

Learning Theory

Answer 6

A set of theories from behaviourist approach that empathises the role of learning in the acquisition of behaviour

Question 7

Monotropic

Answer 7

A term sometimes used to describe Bowlby’s theory. It indicates that one particular attachment is different from all others and of central importance to the child’s development

Question 8

Internal Working Models

Answer 8

The mental representations we all carry with us of our attachment to our primary caregiver. These are important in affecting our future relationships because they carry our perception of what relationships are like

Question 9

Critical Period

Answer 9

Refers to the time within which an attachment must form if it is to form at all. If they don’t form an attachment during this period (up to 2 years old), they will struggle to form them later on

Question 10

Strange Situation

Answer 10

A controlled observation designed to test attachment security. Infants are assessed on their response to playing in an unfamiliar room, being left alone, left with a stranger and being reunited with a carer

Question 11

Secure Attachment

Answer 11

Generally thought as the most desirable attachment type, associated with psychologically healthy outcomes. This is shown by moderate stranger and separation anxiety and ease of comfort at reunion

Question 12

Insecure-Avoidant Attachment

Answer 12

An attachment type characterised by low anxiety but weak attachment. This is shown by low stranger and separation anxiety and little response to reunion-an avoidance of the caregiver

Question 13

Insecure-Resistant Attachment

Answer 13

An attachment type characterised by strong attachment and high anxiety. This is shown by high levels of stranger and separation anxiety and by resistance to be conformed at reunion

Question 14

Cultural Variations

Answer 14

The difference between norms and values that exist between people in different groups

Question 15

Maternal Deprivation

Answer 15

The emotional and intellectual consequences of separation between a child and their mother or mother substitute. Bowlby proposed that continuous care from the mother was essential for normal psychological development, and that prolonged separation causes serious damage to emotional and intellectual development

Question 16

Institutionalisation

Answer 16

A term for the effects of living in an institutional setting. In an institution, there is often very little emotional care provided.

Question 17

Orphan Studies

Answer 17

These concern children placed into care because their parents cannot look after them. An orphan is a child whose parents have either died or have abandoned them permanently

Question 18

Childhood Relationships

Answer 18

Affiliations with other people in childhood, such as friends and classmates, and with adults such as teachers

Question 19

Adult Relationships

Answer 19

Those relationships the child goes on to have later in life as an adult. These include friendships and working relationships but most critically, romantic partners and the person’s own children