Attachment Flashcards
(18 cards)
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Define attachment
= Close two-way emotional bond between two individuals, where each individual sees the other as essential for their own emotional security. It endures over time and serves to protect the infant.
What are the 3 displays of attachment?
(1) Proximity
(2) Separation distress
(3) Secure-base behaviour
Define proximity
= Trying to stay physically close to their attachment figure
→ Remember: This is one of the three displays of attachment
Define separation distress
= Distress when the individual isn’t in presence of their attachment figure
→ Remember: This is one of the three displays of attachment
Define secure-base behaviour
= Being independent but still making regular contact with our attachment figure
E.g. — Regularly returning to our attachment figure while playing so they’re a base from which to explore
→ Remember: This is one of the three displays of attachment
What conclusion can be drawn about infants regarding the 3 displays of attachment?
= Infant seeks closeness and feels more secure when in the presence of their attachment figure
Define precocial
‘Precocial animals’
= Born at fairly advanced stage of development
→ E.g. — Horses can walk soon after birth
Define altricial
‘Altricial animals’
(→ Humans are altricial)
= Born at relatively early stage of development ∴ need to form attachment bonds with adults who will protect and nurture them
Define caregiver
= Any person who provides care for a child
Suggest examples of a caregiver
(1) Parent
(2) Grandparent
(3) Sibling
(4) Childminder
Define infant
= Child’s first year of life
(→ Latin word ‘infans’ = ‘without speech’
∴ infant = child that can’t speak yet)
Define caregiver-infant interactions
= Communication between a caregiver and infant
Why are caregiver-infant interactions important?
∵ Important functions for a child’s social development + form the basis of attachment between the two
What are the most effective caregiver-infant interactions?
More responsive + sensitive they are to each other’s signals
→ = Deeper bond
What age do infants start showing reciprocity?
= 3 months
I.e. Exchanging verbal signals and facial expressions
What are the 2 types of caregiver-infant interactions?
(1) Reciprocity
(2) Interactional synchrony
Define reciprocity
(Type of caregiver-infant interaction)
= Two-way/mutual process where each party responds to the other’s signals and the behaviour of each party elicits a response to sustain the interaction (=turn-taking)
