Explanations Of Attachment

Question 1

Classical conditioning

Answer 1

Learning theory suggests that attachments are learned through classical conditioning where an infant forms an attachment with the person who feeds them

Question 2

Operant conditioning

Answer 2

Learning to repeat a behaviour or not based on consequences of it: if a behaviour produces an unpleasant consequence then it is likely to be repeated

Question 3

Attachment as a secondary drive

Answer 3

Sears et al 1957 suggested that because caregivers is the person who provides food, the primary drive of hunger becomes associated wiht them

Question 4

Reciprocity

Answer 4

Refers to process in which a behaviour is responded with a corresponding action during an interaction

Infants coordinate their behaviours with caregivers in a kind of conversation

From birth babies move in rhythm when interacting with adults as if they are taking turns as people do when having a conversation

Responses are not necessarily similar as interactional synchrony

Basic rhythm allows caregiver to anticipate babies need and respond appropriately helping to form an attachment

Question 5

Interactional synchrony

Answer 5

Refers to how parents and infants behaviour become finely synchronised; mirroring each other.

Infants imitate specific facial and hand gestures to mirror their caregiver

This includes mirroring emotions as well as behaviours

From birth babies move in synchrony with their caregivers

Suggested that interactional synchrony serves a critical role in development outcomes in terms of self-regulation, symbol use, and the capacity for empathy