attatchment

attatchment

1. lon been focus of developmental psychology research

   • relationship between children and attachment figure key to their social and emotional development
     • if relationship is distorted this could result in psychological difficulties

2. insecure attatcj,entreated to low bodily satisfaction i.e. anorexia

   • Investigating claim that insecure attachment may be risk factor for eating disorders Clinical sample of 96 women with anorexia nervosa (mean age 26 yrs) or bulimia nervosa (mean age 29 yrs) Measured body dissatisfaction (BSQ), Separation Anxiety (SASI) and Adult Attachment styles (ASQ) Results: In both groups BSQ scores highly correlated with SASI and ASQ scores Conclusions – insecure attachment appears to be consistent correlate of negative body image evaluations of women in these two groups

3. early views of mother/child bond

   • cupboar love
     • freud
     • childs main drive is to feed and mother is source of food
     • learning theory
       • mother associated with food

4. bowlby 1907-1990 children in orphanages

   • 1940s research – children who spent long periods of time in hospitals & orphanages during early years often showed serious developmental problems These included profound withdrawal from social interaction, intellectual impairments, and in some cases, physical delays Bowlby argued that the cause of these problems lay in the lack of close emotional bond between child and primary caregiver
   • bowlbys attatchment they
     • During the first 2 mths, infants emit signalling behaviour indiscriminately By 6 mths, smiles and cries become increasingly restricted to presence of primary caregiver From 6-12 mths, clear signs of infant’s strong attachment to caregiver emerge (e.g.separation protest and stranger anxiety) 3 yrs, relationship between mother & child is partnership, child appreciates mother’s feelings
     • critical period between 6 months and 3 years