Lifespan Development - Attachment

Question 1

What is the ethological theory of attachment?

Answer 1

Babies and parents are biologically programmed to engage in ways that promote attachment (e.g., crying and response). Internal working models develop and then influence all relationships.

Question 2

Describe the four types of attachment demonstrated in the strange situation study.

Answer 2

Secure:

• Room: explores
• Mom leaves: mild distress
• Mom returns: happy
• Strangers: prefers mom

Insecure/resistant (/ambivalent):

• Room: doesn’t explore; clings to mom
• Mom leaves: distress
• Mom returns: angry/resistant
• Strangers: fear

Insecure/avoidant:

• Room: doesn’t explore; indifferent to mom
• Mom leaves: indifferent
• Mom returns: indifferent
• Strangers: similar

Disorganized/disordered (insecure/disorganized):

• Room: doesn’t explore; fears mom
• Mom leaves: possible distress
• Mom returns: confused
• Strangers: similar

Question 3

When does separation anxiety peak?

Answer 3

Peaks at 14-18 mo.

Critical period: 6 mo. (separation = trauma).

Question 4

When does stranger anxiety peak?

Answer 4

18-24 mo.

Temperament, experiences, and parents’ presence influence anxiety level.

Question 5

Describe the three types of adulthood attachment discerned by the Adult Attachment Interview.

Answer 5

• Autonomous: coherent recollections = secure
• Preoccupied: angry, confused, and passive recollections = resistant
• Dismissing: positive but unsupported recollections = avoidant