Attachment - Cultural Variations

Question 1

Cultural variations

Answer 1

Differences in norms & values that exist between people in different groups

Question 2

Ijzendoorn & Sagi

Answer 2

Tokyo vs rural Japan
- Urban = similarity to western cultures (high secure attachments)
- Rural = more insecure-resistant

Question 3

Tronick et al

Answer 3

EFE African tribe (collectivist culture)
- Infants cared for & breastfed by multiple women but slept alongside mother
- Prefer primary attachment over caregivers

Question 4

Grossman & Grossman

Answer 4

Germany
- Children taught to be independent -> higher percentage of insecure-avoidants

Question 5

Simonelli et al

Answer 5

Italy
- 76 babies 12 months old
- 50% secure, 36% insecure-avoidant due to mothers working longer hours & using professional childcare instead

Question 6

Jin et al

Answer 6

South Korea
- 87 babies
- Similar secure & insecure but only 1 avoidant

Question 7

Important: Van Ijzendoorn & Kroonenberg

Answer 7

Meta-analysis of 32 attachment studies of SS across 8 countries -> 50-75% secure attachments in all countries, variations existed within same countries & were 150% greater than between other countries (USA example: 46% & 90% secure)
Highest secure: GB (75%) & Lowest: China (50%)

Question 8

Strength of cultural variations

Answer 8

Large sample size (Van Ijzendoorn & Kroonenberg 2000 sample, Simonella et al & Jin et al large comparison groups -> reduces anomalous results & increases internal validity -> however sample bias (only 5 collectivist cultures) -> ungeneralisable)

Question 9

Limitations of cultural variations

Answer 9

Countries not cultures (different practices -> over-represent poverty -> Van Ijzendoorn & Sagi Tokyo over-representation of insecure-resistant -> characteristics need to be specified)
Applying theories for one culture to another is imposed etic [culturally universal] (lack of sep. anx. indicates insecure attachment -> Grossman & Grossman show independence rather than avoidance -> cultural bias)