Attachment Flashcards
1
Q
What is the definition of attachment?
A
An emotional tie between two people, usually parent and offspring
Attachment is crucial for survival and plays a significant role in development.
2
Q
List the key areas of development influenced by attachment.
A
- Physical development
- Neurological development
- Cognitive development
- Emotional development
- Psychological development
These areas are essential for an individual’s overall growth.
3
Q
What are the four main types of behavior that indicate attachment?
A
- Seeking proximity
- Distress at separation
- Joy on reunion
- General orientation of behavior towards each other
These behaviors help identify the presence of attachment in relationships.
4
Q
What does ‘seeking proximity’ refer to in attachment behavior?
A
The desire to be physically close to the attachment figure
This behavior indicates a need for closeness and security.
5
Q
What is meant by ‘distress at separation’ in attachment?
A
Being upset at separation, preparation for separation, and after separation
This behavior reflects the emotional impact of being apart from the attachment figure.
6
Q
What does ‘joy on reunion’ signify in attachment behavior?
A
Happiness and excitement before and upon being reunited
This behavior indicates the strength of the emotional bond.
7
Q
What does ‘general orientation of behavior towards each other’ involve?
A
Attempts to maintain attention and engagement with the attachment figure
This behavior shows the active engagement in the attachment relationship.
8
Q
Define reciprocity in the context of attachment.
A
Interactions between parent and offspring where each responds to the other’s signals
This mutual responsiveness is essential for healthy attachment.
9
Q
What is interactional synchrony?
A
The reflection of both actions and emotions between mother and infant
This synchrony enhances the emotional connection and understanding between the two.
10
Q
What are carer-infant interactions important for?
A
They are important for forming attachment relationships and supporting development
Development includes physical, neurological, cognitive, emotional, and psychological aspects.
11
Q
When do carer-infant interactions begin?
A
They begin straight from birth with the use of non-verbal cues from infants.
12
Q
What role do non-verbal cues play in carer-infant interactions?
A
They signal the infant’s needs and require reciprocation to form the basis of attachment.
13
Q
How does reciprocation affect attachment quality?
A
Reciprocation determines how good or bad the attachment is.
14
Q
What influences the formation of attachment between carer and infant?
A
The way each responds to the other influences attachment formation.
15
Q
What is the relationship between sensitivity and attachment?
A
The more sensitive each is to the other, the deeper the relationship.
16
Q
What can be a consequence of lacking a parent-infant relationship?
A
Individuals may experience adverse effects.
17
Q
Can children have significant figures in their lives other than their parents?
A
Yes, children can have significant figures who are not always their caregivers.
18
Q
What do we tend to not remember about our early years?
A
We tend to not remember much about our early caregiver interactions.
19
Q
True or False: Caregiver interactions are crucial for everyone.
A
False.
20
Q
Fill in the blank: Carer-infant interactions help with _______.
A
[development]
21
Q
What are the factors that explain how attachments are formed?
A
- Quality of time spent together
- How the child is fed (breastfed or bottle-fed)
- Through being fed
- Skin-to-skin contact after birth
- Frequent cuddles
- Parents talk to offspring when inside the womb
- Music played to baby when in the womb
- Eye-to-eye contact
- Mimicking baby’s cooing and other vocalizations
These factors highlight the importance of physical and emotional connections in the early stages of development.
22
Q
What is the first stage of attachment formation?
A
Stage 1 occurs from birth to 2 months
This stage is characterized by social responses from infants to both animate and inanimate objects.
23
Q
What are the key characteristics of Stage 1 in attachment formation?
A
- Infants produce similar responses to animate and inanimate objects
- Towards the end of this stage, infants show a greater preference for social stimuli
- Infants are more content around people
- Interactional synchrony and reciprocity play a key role in formation of attachment
Interactional synchrony refers to the mutual responsiveness between infant and caregiver.
24
Q
What is the second stage of attachment formation?
A
Stage 2 occurs around the age of 2-4 months
This stage marks the beginnings of more focused attachment behaviors.
25
What are the key characteristics of Stage 2 in attachment formation?
* Infants become much more social
* Prefer human company over inanimate objects
* Can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar people
## Footnote
This stage reflects a growing awareness of social relationships.
26
True or False: Infants show a preference for inanimate objects over human company in Stage 2.
False
## Footnote
Infants actually prefer human company during this stage.
27
Fill in the blank: Interactional synchrony and _______ play a key role in the formation of attachment.
reciprocity
## Footnote
Both concepts refer to the back-and-forth interactions that help develop bonds between infants and caregivers.
28
What is Stage 3 of attachment development?
Occurs around 4-7 months and is characterized by:
* Forming an attachment to one figure
* Showing separation anxiety from primary attachment figures
* Showing joy at reunion
* Showing stranger anxiety
## Footnote
Primary attachment figures refer to the main caregivers or significant individuals in the child's life.
29
What is a key characteristic of Stage 3 in attachment development?
Separation anxiety from primary attachment figures
## Footnote
This anxiety reflects the child's emotional dependence on their primary caregiver.
30
At what age does Stage 4 of attachment development occur?
Around 2-12 months
## Footnote
This stage marks the beginning of multiple attachments.
31
What occurs during Stage 4 of attachment development?
Development of multiple attachments with other consistent figures
* Examples include grandparents and siblings
* Starts to show separation anxiety from secondary attachment figures
## Footnote
This stage highlights the child's expanding social world and relationships beyond the primary caregiver.
32
Fill in the blank: Stage 4 involves the development of _______ with other consistent figures.
multiple attachments
## Footnote
These attachments can include relationships with family members such as siblings and grandparents.
33
What is the focus age range for the formation of attachment?
Up to 12 months of age
## Footnote
This is a critical period for developing attachments.
34
What does the process of attachment development indicate?
It is a long process involving different attachments
## Footnote
This suggests that attachment is not a one-time event but evolves over time.
35
What does individual differences imply about the stages of attachment?
The four stages will not fit everyone
## Footnote
Each child's attachment process may vary based on individual circumstances.
36
Why might the research from 1964 not reflect current understanding of attachment?
It was written as part of 1964 research
## Footnote
The context and societal norms of that time may differ significantly from today's perspective.
37
What do earlier infant attachments suggest about mothers?
Mothers would play a significant role
## Footnote
This highlights the importance of maternal figures in the attachment process.
38
What research indicates the stages of attachment during the first year?
Schaeffer and Emerson research
## Footnote
This research provides a framework for understanding attachment development in infants.
39
What is a notable criticism of the stages of attachment theory?
It is reductionist
## Footnote
This means it oversimplifies complex emotional and social processes.
40
What does the theory consider important alongside primary attachments?
The role of multiple attachments
## Footnote
This acknowledges that children can have several significant relationships beyond the primary caregiver.
41
Fill in the blank: The attachment process is open to _______.
individual differences
## Footnote
This highlights that each child's attachment style may vary.
42
What did psychologists writing in the 1940s and 1950s primarily focus on regarding attachment?
They focused only on the role of the mother as crucial, superior, and needed for attachment.
## Footnote
This perspective largely ignored the role of the father.
43
What was the general perception of children in the past according to the text?
Children were seen and not heard.
## Footnote
This reflects the traditional views on parenting and authority.
44
What did Bowlby argue regarding maternal deprivation?
Maternal deprivation in the first two to three years of life would lead to irreversible consequences.
## Footnote
Bowlby's work emphasized the importance of maternal care in early childhood development.
45
How does the role of the father compare to that of the mother according to some perspectives?
For some, the role of the father is just as important as the role of the mother.
## Footnote
This reflects a shift in understanding parental roles in child development.
46
What consequences can paternal deprivation have, especially for boys?
It can lead to a lack of role models to identify with.
## Footnote
This highlights the importance of fathers in providing guidance and examples for boys.
47
What did the research by Schaffer and Emerson in 1964 find regarding fathers?
Fathers were less likely to be primary attachment figures.
## Footnote
Despite this, their presence still plays a significant role in child attachment.
48
In what fraction of infants were fathers shown to be important attachment figures?
In 1/3 of infants.
## Footnote
This indicates that while mothers may be primary, fathers also have a significant impact.
49
What is emphasized about parental engagement in the 21st century?
Having engaged parents is crucial regardless of gender and family type.
## Footnote
This reflects modern understanding of diverse family structures and their importance in child development.
50
What was the primary role of fathers pre-1990s?
Mainly breadwinner
## Footnote
Fathers were primarily responsible for financially supporting the family.
51
How has the involvement of fathers in child care changed since pre-1990s?
Much more active in terms of physical + emotional care
## Footnote
Fathers are now more engaged in both physical care and emotional support for their children.
52
What was the perception of children pre-1990s?
Children seen and not heard
## Footnote
This reflects a traditional view where children's opinions and feelings were often disregarded.
53
What change occurred regarding the role of fathers as disciplinarians?
Decrease in physical punishment
## Footnote
There was a shift away from physical discipline towards more positive forms of behavior management.
54
What is one significant change in paternity leave by 2025?
Paternity leave that can be shared
## Footnote
This allows both parents to take time off to care for their child, promoting shared responsibilities.
55
How has the concept of fatherhood evolved in terms of emotional care?
Increase in emotional care
## Footnote
Fathers are becoming more attuned to the emotional needs of their children.
56
What is meant by 'house husbands'?
Refers to fathers who take on the primary role of homemaker and caregiver.
57
What is one reason sons were wanted to pass down wealth pre-1990s?
To follow into employment
## Footnote
This reflects traditional expectations regarding family legacy and financial support.
58
What has been noted about the presence of father figures for some children?
Two significant father figures for some children
## Footnote
This highlights the diversity in family structures and the roles of male figures in children's lives.
59
What is imprinting?
A reciprocal mental image in the animal kingdom between mother and infant based on sight and sound.
## Footnote
Imprinting involves animals following the first moving object they see.
60
Who devised the concept of imprinting?
Konrad Lorenz, an ethologist.
## Footnote
Ethology is the study of animal behavior in their natural environment.
61
What is the significance of imprinting in animals?
It ensures a bond between mother and infant, increasing the chance of survival.
## Footnote
Animals need to imprint on another to survive.
62
What did Lorenz demonstrate about animal behavior?
Animals are not born with a ready-made image of their parents.
## Footnote
Lorenz conducted a field experiment to show this.
63
Describe Lorenz's experiment with goslings.
He divided gosling eggs into two groups: one with their natural mother and one in an incubator.
## Footnote
The incubator group followed Lorenz after hatching.
64
What happened when Lorenz marked the two groups of goslings?
The goslings quickly divided themselves, with some following their natural mother and others following Lorenz.
## Footnote
This suggests that animal infants imprint on the first moving object they see.
65
True or False: Imprinting is a learned behavior.
False. It is an innate behavior that occurs when animals follow the first moving object they see.
## Footnote
Imprinting is crucial for survival in the animal kingdom.
66
Fill in the blank: Imprinting ensures a bond between ______ and ______ in the animal world.
mother and infant.
## Footnote
This bond is essential for the survival of the offspring.
67
What key study examined whether food or comfort is more important in forming an attachment?
Hariow (1959)
## Footnote
This study focused on rhesus monkeys and their attachment behaviors.
68
What type of experiment was conducted in the study by Hariow?
Laboratory experiment
69
How many rhesus monkeys were studied in the Hariow (1959) experiment?
8 rhesus monkeys
70
What were the two types of mothers used in the Hariow study?
* Cloth mother
* Wire mother
71
For how long were the rhesus monkeys studied in the Hariow experiment?
165 days
72
What type of comfort did the cloth mother provide in the Hariow study?
Comfort via cloth mummy
73
What type of nourishment did the wire mother provide in the Hariow experiment?
Feeding via wire mummy
74
Which mother did all 8 monkeys spend most time with?
Cloth mummy
75
What did the monkeys do when they were frightened in the Hariow study?
Returned to cloth mummy
76
What conclusion was suggested by the Hariow study regarding comfort and food in attachment?
Comfort/security is much more important than food
77
What biological need does food primarily address according to the Hariow study?
Need of hunger
78
Who proposed the learning theory of attachment?
Dollard and Miller
79
What is another name for the learning theory of attachment?
Cupboard love Theory
80
What is the primary focus of the cupboard love Theory?
The idea of food and being fed allowing for attachment to occur
81
How many times is a child fed on average by their primary caregiver in the first year of life?
2000 times
82
According to Dollard and Miller, how do we learn to love?
Love is paired with the food we are given
83
What type of conditioning does attachment occur through?
Classical and operant conditioning
84
In classical conditioning, what does US stand for?
Unconditioned Stimulus
85
In classical conditioning, what does UCR stand for?
Unconditioned Response
86
In the classical conditioning framework, what does NS represent?
Neutral Stimulus
87
In the classical conditioning framework, what does CR represent?
Conditioned Response
88
Fill in the blank: In classical conditioning, US = _______
Food
89
Fill in the blank: In classical conditioning, UCR = _______
Happiness
90
Fill in the blank: In classical conditioning, NS = _______
Mum
91
Fill in the blank: In classical conditioning, CR = _______
Happiness
92
What are the three types of consequences in operant conditioning?
* Reinforcement via positive
* Reinforcement via negative
* Punishment
93
What did Harlow's studies demonstrate about the importance of comfort in attachment?
Comfort is more important than food
## Footnote
Harlow's work highlighted that the emotional comfort provided by a caregiver plays a critical role in attachment development.
94
Which psychological foundation does the evaluation of learning theory build on?
Behavior is learned
## Footnote
This foundational concept suggests that attachment behaviors can be understood through learned experiences.
95
What complicates the application of learning theory to humans?
Food and comfort cannot be separated
## Footnote
In human contexts, food often comes with care and comfort, making it difficult to isolate these factors.
96
What is a plausible explanation for attachment according to learning theory?
Food leads to attachment
## Footnote
The association of food with care and survival needs can create attachment bonds.
97
What is a criticism of the learning theory regarding attachment?
Reductionist approach
## Footnote
The theory oversimplifies attachment by reducing it solely to the provision of food.
98
Why might learning theory be considered outdated in the context of the 21st century?
Children are not necessarily fed by the same person
## Footnote
Changes in family dynamics and caregiving can affect attachment processes.
99
According to Klaus and Kennell, as well as Shaffer and Emerson, what is more important than food in attachment?
Quality of care
## Footnote
These studies emphasize that the nature of caregiving significantly influences attachment more than mere provision of food.
100
What does Bowlby's theory emphasize regarding attachments?
Bowlby's theory emphasizes that attachments are formed due to evolutionary advantages.
101
What is another name for Bowlby's theory?
Monotropic theory.
102
From whose ideas did Bowlby form his theory?
Bowlby formed his theory using ideas from Lorenz and Freud.
103
What concept did Bowlby take from Lorenz?
Proximity seeking.
104
What is the 'sensitive period' in Bowlby's theory?
The sensitive period is the extended time during which human infants need to form attachments, suggested to be up to 2-3 years.
105
What idea did Bowlby take from Freud?
The idea that the main caregiver is important in development.
106
How does the quality of the first relationship affect future relationships according to Bowlby?
The quality of the first relationship affects the quality of all future relationships.
107
What is the term used for the model that future relationships are based on?
Internal working model.
108
True or False: Bowlby believed that attachments are only formed in the first few months of life.
False.
109
Fill in the blank: Bowlby's theory is also known as the _____ theory.
monotropic
110
What did Bowlby argue about attachments in infants?
Attachments occur by infants being physically close to their parents in their first few years of life.
## Footnote
Bowlby emphasized the importance of physical proximity for attachment formation.
111
Why is parental sensitivity important according to Bowlby?
It is important for parents to be sensitive to their child's needs in their first two years of life.
## Footnote
This sensitivity helps foster secure attachments.
112
What are social releasers?
Pre-programmed behaviors in babies that encourage attention from adults.
## Footnote
These behaviors trigger instinctive parenting responses.
113
What is the formula for attachment according to Bowlby?
Social releasers + Parental instinct = attachment between parent and child.
## Footnote
This formula illustrates the interaction necessary for forming attachments.
114
What happens if a parent does not respond to social releasers during the sensitive period?
The opportunity to form attachments is lost, potentially causing developmental consequences for the child.
## Footnote
This highlights the critical nature of early responsiveness in attachment development.
115
What is the continuity hypothesis?
The idea that developmental consequences from childhood continue into adulthood.
## Footnote
This hypothesis suggests that early attachment experiences influence later relationships.
116
What is a key research evidence supporting Bowlby's theory?
Brazenion + Bailey show evidence of the importance of social releasers and continuity hypothesis
## Footnote
Social releasers refer to behaviors in infants that stimulate caregiving responses in adults.
117
What are some key ideas of Lorenz and Freud in relation to Bowlby's theory?
Explanatory power
## Footnote
Lorenz focused on imprinting in animals while Freud emphasized the role of early relationships in personality development.
118
What is the sensitive period in Bowlby's theory?
It is plausible that humans have a sensitive period for attachment formation
## Footnote
This period suggests that there are optimal times for forming attachments, although human attachment is more complex due to longer lifespans.
119
What critique is made regarding the dating of Bowlby's theory?
It is considered outdated (1951)
## Footnote
The theory reflects societal norms of its time, particularly the assumption that mothers are the primary caregivers.
120
What aspect of caregiving does Bowlby's theory ignore?
The role of the father and multiple attachments in the 21st century
## Footnote
Modern family dynamics often involve multiple caregivers, which Bowlby's theory does not account for.
121
What does Bowlby's theory focus on that is critiqued?
It focuses on early life attachments
## Footnote
Critics argue that attachments can form throughout life and are not limited to early childhood.
122
What is a major critique regarding the reductionist nature of Bowlby's theory?
It only focuses on nature
## Footnote
While Bowlby acknowledged evolutionary advantages of attachments, critics argue that the role of nurture is also significant.
123
Fill in the blank: Bowlby's theory is criticized for being _______.
reductionist
