Attachment Theory

Attachment Theory

1. Bowlby (1969)

   • 4 phases starting at birth
   • Attachment as secure base for child to explore world (e.g. army)
   • Internal working model based on early experiences will shape expectations in future relationships.
   • Fails to account for individual difference and how some children cope better with poor early experiences.

2. Evolutionary theory

   • Increases survival
   • Research suggests it's an innate process - imprinting in non-humans (Lorenz)
     • Supported by cross cultural studies (Tronick et al) - some babies cared and breastfed by several women but only form attachment to one caregiver.
   • Harry Harlow monkeys (1958)

3. Hyp: individuals that are securely attached in infancy continue to be socially and emotionally competent.

4. Mary Ainsworth's strange situation (1969)

   • Organised attachment - organised strategy for gaining proximity to carer
     • Secure
     • Insecure-avoidant
     • Insecure-resistant
   • Disorganised - no consistent way of dealing with the stress. Exhibits contradictory behaviour.
     • Associated with child maltreatment

5. 0 - 3 years, attachment style is product of carers. After early childhood they endure into adulthood but measurement and expression change

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