Attachment Flashcards
(12 cards)
Attachment definition
humans form emotional bonds and relationships, particularly focusing on how early-life interactions with caregivers shape our later relationships, behaviors, and emotional regulation
What is reciprocity in social interactions
A social norm where individuals are expected to respond in kind to the general actions of others
When does interactional synchrony occur
When infants, as early as two weeks mirror facial expressions, body movements and synchronise movements in tune with the caregivers rhythm
Why is interactional synchrony important
Good quality early interactions help form strong attachments between babies and caregivers
Isabella et al studies 30 mothers and babies and found higher levels of synchrony wetr linked to better quality attachments
When does reciprocity occur
When both individuals respond to eachother and take turns in the interactions
Example
A baby might smile and caregiver responds by speaking which caused the baby to react again
What are alert phases
When babies signal (through eye contact) that they are ready to interact
Research shows that mothers respond to these signals 2/3 of the time
TELL ME AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ABOUT the stages of attachment
Stages of Attachment: AO1
In 1964, Schaffer and Emerson studied how babies form attachments. Their research led them to identify four stages of attachment that all babies go through as they develop.
- The Asocial stage (first few weeks)
Babies react similarly to objects and people - Indiscriminate stage (2-7 months)
Babies show more social behaviours and prefer being with people rather than objects - Specific Attachment (From 7 months)
Babies form a strong attachment to one specific person - Multiple Attachments (from one year)
- Babies form multiple secondary attachments with other people they see regularly
TELL ME AS MUCH AS YOU CAN Stage 2: The Asocial stage (first few weeks)
Stage 1: Asocial Stage (First Few Weeks)
In the first few weeks, babies react similarly to both people and objects.
Prefer human interaction and are more easily comforted by familiar people.
At this stage, babies are forming early bonds that will develop into attachments later.
TELL ME AS MUCH AS YOU CAN Stage 2: Indiscriminate Attachment (2–7 Months)
Stage 2: Indiscriminate Attachment (2–7 Months)
Babies start to show more social behaviours and prefer being with people rather than objects.
They recognise and prefer familiar people but will accept comfort from anyone.
At this stage, babies do not yet show separation anxiety (distress when their caregiver leaves) or stranger anxiety (fear of unfamiliar people).
TELL ME AS MUCH AS YOU CAN Stage 3: Specific Attachment (From Around 7 Months)
Stage 3: Specific Attachment (From Around 7 Months)
Most babies start forming a strong attachment to one specific person, known as the primary attachment figure.
Signs of attachment include:
- Separation anxiety – distress when apart from the primary attachment figure.
- Stranger anxiety – fear of unfamiliar people, especially when their primary attachment figure is absent.
The primary attachment figure is the person who responds best to the baby’s signals, not necessarily the one who spends the most time with them.
In 65% of cases, this person is the baby’s mother.
TELL ME AS MUCH AS YOU CAN Stage 4: Multiple Attachments (From Around 1 Year)
Stage 4: Multiple Attachments (From Around 1 Year)
Once a primary attachment is formed, babies begin forming secondary attachments with other people they regularly see (e.g., father, grandparents, siblings).
Schaffer and Emerson found that:
29% of babies developed secondary attachments within a month of forming their first attachment.
By one year old, most babies had multiple attachments.
