theories of attachment Flashcards

Question

bowlby 44 thieves evaluation - Limitations

Answer 1

**External variables** (family conflict, parental income, education, etc.) may have affected the behaviour of the 44 thieves and not the disruption of the attachment bond. The supporting evidence that Bowlby (1944) provided was in the form of clinical interviews of **retrospective data**. This meant that Bowlby was asking the participants to look back and recall separations. These memories may not be accurate **(low validity**). The study concluded affectionless psychopathy was caused by maternal deprivation. This is correlational data and as such only shows a relationship between these two variables, and not the cause. As Rutter (1972) pointed out, Bowlby’s conclusions were flawed, mixing up cause and effect with correlation.

Answer 2

**Greater stability in childcare practice** has been developed through daycare centres assigning caregivers to children and hospital visiting hours have been reviewed so that children can maintain contact with their parents. **Some national governments offer more financial support for young families in terms of maternity and paternity leave.** For instance, Sweden offers 480 days parental leave, clearly highlighting its commitment to support children’s early attachment experiences.

Answer 3

- argued that if a child fails to develop an emotional bond, this is privation, whereas deprivation refers to the loss of/damage to an attachment.

Answer 4

- is a standardized procedure -devised to observe attachment security in children within the context of caregiver relationships, i.e., called the Strange Situation Classification (SSC). It is an** assessment technique to investigate how attachments might vary between children and was applied to infants between the age of nine and 18 months.**

Answer 5

involves series of eight episodes lasting approximately 3 minutes each, whereby a mother, child and stranger are introduced, separated and reunited.

Answer 6

in a small room with one way glass so the behaviour of the infant can be observed covertly.

Answer 7

Infants were aged between 12 and 18 months. The sample comprised of 100 middle-class American families.

Answer 8

persons present: Mother, infant, observer description: observer introduces mother and infant to the experiment room before leaving.

Answer 9

persons present: Mother, infant description: mother is passive while the infant explores

Answer 10

persons present: stranger, mother, infant description: stranger enters. First minute: stranger silent second min: stranger converses with mother 3rd min: stranger approaches infant. Mother quietly leaves the room

Answer 11

persons present: stranger, infant description: First sep episode. the behaviour of the stranger is geared towards the infant.

Answer 12

persons present: mother, infant description: first reunion episode. Stranger leaves. Mother greets/comforts infant, then tries to engage infant to play. Mother says 'good bye' and leaves

Answer 13

person present: Infant description: second separation episode. Infant is left alone

Answer 14

person present: Stranger, Infant description: continuation of second separation. Stranger enters and gears her behaviour to that of the infant

Answer 15

persons present: Mother, Infant description: Second reunion episode. Mother enters, greets and then picks up the infant. Stranger quietly leaves

Answer 16

1. Proximity and contacting seeking behaviours 2. Contact maintaining behaviours 3. Avoidance of proximity and contact 4. Resistance to contact and comforting ## Footnote The observer notes down the behaviour displayed during 15-second intervals and scores the behaviour for intensity on a scale of 1 to 7. Other behaviours observed included: ● Exploratory behaviours e.g., moving around the room, playing with toys, looking around the room. ● Search behaviours, e.g., following mother to the door, banging on the door, orienting to the door, looking at the door, going to mother’s empty chair, looking at mother’s empty chair. ● Affect Displays negative, e.g., crying, or positive, e.g., smiling.

Answer 17

- comprised the majority of the sample - feel confident that the attachment figure will be available to meet their needs. - They use the attachment figure as a safe base to explore the environment and seek the attachment figure in times of distress - easily soothed by the attachment figure when upset. - Infants develop a secure attachment when the caregiver is sensitive to their signals and responds appropriately to their needs.

Answer 18

children do not orientate to their attachment figure while investigating the environment. - very independent of the attachment figure - do not seek contact with the attachment figure when distressed. - Such children are likely to have a caregiver who is insensitive and rejecting of their needs (Ainsworth, 1979). - The attachment figure may withdraw from helping during difficult tasks and is often unavailable during times of emotional distress.

Answer 19

- children adopt an ambivalent behavioural style towards the attachment figure. - child will commonly exhibit clingy and dependent behaviour but will be rejecting of the attachment figure when they engage in interaction. - fails to develop any feelings of security from the attachment figure. - exhibit difficulty moving away from the attachment figure to explore novel surroundings. - When distressed they are difficult to soothe and are not comforted by interaction with the attachment figure. This behaviour results from an inconsistent level of response to their needs from the primary caregiver.

Answer 20

Ainsworth (1978) suggested the caregiver sensitivity hypothesis as an explanation for different attachment types. Ainsworths maternal sensitivity hypothesis argues that a child’s attachment style is dependent on the behaviour their mother shows towards them. ● ‘Sensitive’ mothers are responsive to the childs needs and respond to their moods and feelings correctly. Sensitive mothers are more likely to have securely attached children. ● In contrast, mothers who are less sensitive towards their child, for example, those who respond to the child’s needs incorrectly or who are impatient or ignore the child, are likely to have insecurely attached children.

Answer 21

- Evidence - The caregiver sensitivity theory is supported by research from, **Wolff and Van Ijzendoorn (1997)** who conducted a Meta-analysis (a review) of research into attachment types. They found that there is a relatively weak correlation of 0.24 between parental sensitivity and attachment type – generally more sensitive parents had securely attached children. - The strange situation classification has been found to have** good reliability.** This means that it achieves consistent results. For example, a study conducted in Germany found 78% of the children were classified in the same way at ages 1 and 6 years **(Wartner et al., 1994).** ## Footnote The overall consistency in secure attachment types leads to the conclusion that there may be universal (innate - nature) characteristics that underpin infant and caregiver interactions. However, the significant variations of insecure attachments demonstrate that universality is limited. Implications include the linking of the variation in attachment to child-rearing practices and environmental factors (nurture).

Answer 22

psychosocial development rather than psychosexual development.

Answer 23

psychosocial development rather than psychosexual development.

Answer 24

8 stages that span a persons lifetime.

Answer 25

At each stage, people **face conflicts** that can result in gaining psychological strength or being left with a weakness. At each stage of psychosocial development, people are faced with a crisis that acts as a turning point in development.

Answer 26

At each stage, people **face conflicts** that can result in gaining psychological strength or being left with a weakness. At each stage of psychosocial development, people are faced with a crisis that acts as a turning point in development.

Answer 27

developing a psychological virtue that contributes to overall psychological well-being.

Answer 28

respond when they try to communicate with you. - can't use words- use non-verbal communication to show their thinking and feelings ## Footnote - crying - communication with caregivers Usually, babies cry to let you know one of the following: ● **Affection**: an infant's cries communicated an important message to caregivers. Such cries indicate an unmet need, and it is up to caregivers to determine how to fulfil that need. ● **Comfort**: It is important for caregivers to provide comfort to an infant by holding them closely and securely. This provides both warmth and physical contact. Feeding, bathing, and comforting your child helps them learn to trust that their needs will be met. ● **Food**: Erikson also believed that feeding played a pivotal role in the development of trust. By feeding an infant when the child is hungry, they learn that they can trust their need for nourishment will be met. becoming familiar with your babys communication style is the key to success at this stage.- helps them learn to trust world around them

Answer 29

- Children raised by consistently unreliable, unpredictable parents who fail to meet these basic needs eventually develop an overall sense of mistrust (Murphy, 2015). - Mistrust can cause children to become fearful, confused, and anxious, all of which make it difficult to form healthy relationships. This, in turn, can lead to poor social support, isolation, and loneliness.

Answer 30

**Infancy (0-18 months):** A baby will either develop basic trust in his or her caregiver or will grow to view the world as a dangerous place, depending upon whether the baby gets sensitive, nurturing care.

Answer 31

**Early childhood (2 – 3 years)**. Children can either develop a sense of competence and independence or deep shame. This development is intimately related to toilet training.

Answer 32

The essential theme of this stage is that children **need to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence.** Potty training plays an **important role** in helping children develop this sense of autonomy. Like Freud, Erikson believed that toilet training was a vital part of this process. **However, Erikson's reasoning was quite different than that of Freud's.** Erikson believed that **learning to control one's bodily functions leads to a feeling of control and a sense of independence.** Kids who have **confidence in their skills are more likely to succeed in subsequent tasks** such as mastering social, academic, and other skills. Offering reassurance and having **faith** in your childs abilities is crucial to the development of a sense of autonomy and confidence (Paediatric Child Health, 2004). Parents who are negative or who punish a child for simple mistakes can contribute to feelings of shame or self-doubt. ## Footnote Other important events include gaining more control over food choices, toy preferences, and clothing selection.

Answer 33

**Preschool years (3 – 5 years)**: Children develop a sense of initiative if they are able to explore their environments and discover they are able to do things on their own. If a child is made to feel guilty about making his or her own choices, the child will develop a sense of guilt rather than initiative.

Answer 34

**School age (6 – 11 years)**: A child compares self to others during this phase and either develops a sense of industry and work ethic or feelings of inadequacy.

Answer 35

**Adolescence:(12 – 18 years)** During this period, teens may have an identity crisis, questioning their roles in the world and future goals. If parents allow youth to explore the world, they'll develop their own identities, but those who are punished for autonomy may develop role confusion.

Answer 36

is the **development of ego identity.** It is the conscious sense of self that we develop through social interaction, which is constantly changing due to new experiences and information we acquire in our daily interactions with others.

Answer 37

“fundamental organizing principal which develops constantly throughout the lifespan.” ## Footnote Identity involves the experiences, relationships, beliefs, values, and memories that make up a person's subjective sense of self. This helps create a continuous self- image that remains fairly constant even as new aspects of the self are developed or strengthened over time. Identity provides the following: ● Self-sameness: A sense of continuity within the self and in interaction with others ● Uniqueness: A frame to differentiate between self and interaction with others ● Psychosocial development: Mental and physical health for adolescents

Answer 38

Erikson referred to as **role confusion**, which can result in the following: ● Being unsure of who you are and where you fit ● Drifting from one job or relationship to another ● Feeling disappointed and confused about your place in life

Answer 39

● **Commitment**: Resolving the crisis at this stage of development involves committing to a particular identity. This might involve committing to a career path, deciding what social groups to associate with, and even developing a sense of personal style. ● **Self-confidence**: Those who are able to develop a strong sense of identity are better able to have self-confidence, or a sense of trust in their abilities, qualities, and judgements. ● **Sense of independence**: Those who receive proper encouragement and reinforcement through personal exploration will emerge from this stage with a strong sense of self and a feeling of independence and control. Those who remain unsure of their beliefs and desires will remain insecure and confused about themselves and the future. ## Footnote Causes - There are various factors that contribute to whether a person forms a strong identity. Friends, family, schoolmates, other social groups, societal trends, and pop culture all play a role in shaping and forming identity.

Answer 40

developing a personal identity. Successfully completing this stage leads to a strong sense of self that will remain throughout life.

Answer 41

●**Difficulties with commitment**: A stable personal identity allows individuals to have better relationships with others. ● **Worse mental health and well-being:** Research has linked a strong sense of identity to better emotional and psychological well-being in adolescents. ●**Lack of confidence:** A lack of self-identity can make it difficult for people to have confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Answer 42

●**Build on your strengths. **Identify the areas in your life in which you excel and take time to develop and build on those strengths. ●** Try new things to discover what you like.** Think about your passions and interests. Brainstorm some ideas around things that excite you. ● **Participate in activities that are related to your interests.** Whether church events or clubs for sports, take the initiative to become part of something that interests you.

Answer 43

**Early adulthood (19 – 40 years)** The development of strong friendships and healthy intimate relationships help people develop intimacy, but people who fail at this task may become isolated.

Answer 44

Erikson believed that it was vital to develop close, committed relationships with other people. As people enter adulthood, these emotionally intimate relationships play a critical role in a person's emotional well-being. It includes romantic partners, but it can also encompass close, enduring friendships with people outside of your family.

Answer 45

● Close romantic relationships ● Deep, meaningful connections ● Positive relationships with family and friends ● Strong relationships ## Footnote When this happens successfully, you gain the support, intimacy, and companionship of another person. But sometimes things don't go so smoothly. You might experience rejection or other responses that cause you to withdraw. It might harm your confidence and self- esteem, making you warier of putting yourself out there again in the future.

Answer 46

● Childhood experiences including neglect or abuse ● Divorce or death of a partner ● Fear of commitment ● Fear of intimacy

Answer 47

A person **might never share deep intimacy with their partners or might even struggle to develop any relationships at all.** This can be particularly difficult as these individuals watch friends and acquaintances fall in love, get married, and start families. Loneliness can affect overall health in other ways. For example, socially isolated people tend to have unhealthier diets, exercise less, experience greater daytime fatigue, and have poorer sleep (Schrempft et al., 2019).

Answer 48

**Middle age (40 – 65 years)**: People who develop a sense of purpose—from parenting, hobbies, or a career—excel during this period, but those who find no purpose or value in their activities may stagnate.

Answer 49

**Old age (65 – death)**: People may look back on their lives fondly or feel an overpowering sense of regret and despair.

Answer 50

The essential theme of this stage is that children **need to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence.** Potty training plays an **important role** in helping children develop this sense of autonomy. Like Freud, Erikson believed that toilet training was a vital part of this process. **However, Erikson's reasoning was quite different than that of Freud's.** Erikson believed that **learning to control one's bodily functions leads to a feeling of control and a sense of independence.** Kids who have **confidence in their skills are more likely to succeed in subsequent tasks** such as mastering social, academic, and other skills. Offering reassurance and having **faith** in your childs abilities is crucial to the development of a sense of autonomy and confidence (Paediatric Child Health, 2004). Parents who are negative or who punish a child for simple mistakes can contribute to feelings of shame or self-doubt. ## Footnote Other important events include gaining more control over food choices, toy preferences, and clothing selection.

Answer 51

● **Commitment**: Resolving the crisis at this stage of development involves committing to a particular identity. This might involve committing to a career path, deciding what social groups to associate with, and even developing a sense of personal style. ● **Self-confidence**: Those who are able to develop a strong sense of identity are better able to have self-confidence, or a sense of trust in their abilities, qualities, and judgements. ● **Sense of independence**: Those who receive proper encouragement and reinforcement through personal exploration will emerge from this stage with a strong sense of self and a feeling of independence and control. Those who remain unsure of their beliefs and desires will remain insecure and confused about themselves and the future. ## Footnote Causes - There are various factors that contribute to whether a person forms a strong identity. Friends, family, schoolmates, other social groups, societal trends, and pop culture all play a role in shaping and forming identity.

Answer 52

Erikson believed that it was vital to develop close, committed relationships with other people. As people enter adulthood, these emotionally intimate relationships play a critical role in a person's emotional well-being. It includes romantic partners, but it can also encompass close, enduring friendships with people outside of your family. ## Footnote How to Build Intimacy Learning to be open and sharing with others is an important part of the intimacy versus isolation stage. Some of the other important tasks that can play a role in succeeding or struggling at this point of development include: ● Being intimate: This is more than just engaging in sex; it means forging emotional intimacy and closeness. Intimacy does not necessarily have to be with a sexual partner. People can also gain intimacy from friends and loved ones. ● Caring for others: It is essential to be able to care about the needs of others. Relationships are reciprocal. Getting love is important at this stage, but so is giving it. ● Making commitments: Part of being able to form strong relationships involves being able to commit to others for the long term. ● Self-disclosure: This involves sharing part of the self with others, while still maintaining a strong sense of self-identity.

Answer 53

* **Avoid Negative Self-Talk -** The things we tell ourselves can have an impact on our ability to be confident in relationships, particularly if those thoughts are negative. When you catch yourself having this type of inner dialogue, focus on replacing negative thoughts with more realistic ones. * **Build Skills -** Sometimes practicing social skills can be helpful when you are working toward creating new relationships. Consider taking a course in social skill development or try practicing your skills in different situations each day.