Attachment Theory Flashcards
describe what attachment theory is
the idea that infants are primed to form a close, enduring dependant bond on a primary caregiver beginning in the first moments of life
what is the most important predictor of personality development
child’s early relationship with primary caregiver
what are the different stages of attachment (4)
asocial stage, indiscriminate attachment, specific attachments, multiple attachments
when does the asocial stage of attachment occur and what does it involve
0-6 weeks, smiling and crying not directed at specific people
when does the indiscriminate stage of attachment occur and what does it involve
6 weeks - 7 months, attention sought from different individuals
when does the specific stage of attachment occur and what does it involve
7-11 months, strong attachment to one individual, separation and stranger anxiety
what are the 3 types of normal attachment seen in infants
secure attachment(type B), insecure avoidant attachment(type A) and insecure ambivalent attachment(type C)
what is the most common type of attachment seen in infants
secure attachment(type B), 70% people
what observational study is used to assess attachment
The Strange Situation study
what is the 4th type of attachment, that is abnormal
disordered attachment
briefly describe the view people with insecure avoidant attachment(type A) have of themselves and other
self = unloved, self-reliant others = rejecting, controlling, intrusive
briefly describe the view people with insecure ambivalent attachment(type C) have of themselves and others
self = low value, ineffective, dependant others = insensitive, unpredictable, unreliable
describe what the term “secure base” means in attachment
the attachment figure/relationship provides a safe space(literally/symbolically) from which to explore the world
describe what the term “safe haven” means in attachment
the attachment figure/relationship is a safe place(literally/symbolically) to retreat to at times of danger or anxiety
describe what is meant by “attunement”
process between caregiver and infant in which they are able to ‘tune in’ to each others physical and emotional states
