Explanations of Attachment

Explanations of Attachment

1. Learning Theory

   • Also known as the 'cupboard love' theory
   • Classical Conditioning
     • An association is made between the neutral stimulus (mum) and an innate unconditioned response.
       • For example, the baby forms an association between the mother and the pleasurable feeling of being fed.
         • At first, the baby feels comforted by the food. However, each time it is fed the mother is there too which leads to an association between the mother ad the pleseure of beng fed. Before long, the mother stimulates a feeling of pleasure on her own, even without food.
   • Operant Conditioning
     • In operant conditioning, responses can be controlled through positive (rewards) or negative reinforcements and punishments.
       • Any behaviour that produces a reward (positive reinforcement) will be repeated.
       • Any behaviour that 'switches off' something unpleasant (negative reinforcement) will be repeated.
       • Behaviours that lead to an unpleasant outcome (punishment) will NOT be repeated.

2. Bowlby's Theory

   • A S C M I
     • A: ADAPTIVE - This means that we have adapted in order to survive.. E.g. an infant attaches to a caregiver as they are fed, clothed and comforted by the caregiver.
     • S: SOCIAL RELEASERS - These unlock the innate tendency of adults to care for them. These can be physical (the typical baby face') or behavioural (such as crying or cooing).
     • C: CRITICAL PERIOD - Babies have to form an attachment between 7 months and 2 & a half years old. This is the critical period.
     • I: INTERNAL WORKING MODEL - Through the monotropic attachment, the infant would form this. This is a model for other future attachments. All future adult relationships will be based on the relationship with the mother.
     • M: MONOTROPY - This is the belief that infants have the innate tendency to form an attachment to one key person (usually the mum). This special attachment is called monotropy.
   • Bowlby's theory is an evolutionary theory. He proposed that infants and their caregivers have inherited mechanisms that enable them to attach to each other. These have evolved through natural selection.