P1: attachment

P1: attachment

1. types of attachment

   • insecure-resistant = very distressed, resists comfort
   • insecure-avoidant = little distress, avoids caregiver
   • secure = distressed when separated, happy on reunion

2. key concepts

   • attachement = an emotional bond between infant and caregiver
   • reciprocity = caregiver and infant respond to each other
   • interactional synchrony = caregiver and infant mirror actions / emotions
   • primary attachment figure = main caregiver

3. explanations

   • learning theory: food = attachment, operant conditioning = food equals reward, classical conditioning = caregiver associated with food
   • Bowlby's monotropic theory: attachment is innate, monotropy = one primary attachment, critical period = first 2.5 years, internal working model = template for future relationships

4. key studies

   • Schaffer and Emerson = stages of attachment
   • Ainsworth = strange situation and attachment types
   • Harlow = contact comfort is more important than food

5. effects of attachment

   • institutionalisation = poor emotional development
   • internal working model = affects adult relationships
   • day care = quality matters more than quantity

6. evaluation: AO3

   • ❌ cultural bias: stange situation = western
   • ❌ ethical issues = animal / human distress
   • ✅ supporting research = Harlow supports Bowlby