Attachment

Attachment

1. Strong emotional bond between infant and caregivers.

2. John Bowlby

   • theory based on lorenz's observations
   • attachment has roots in a set of instinctual infant responses important for protection and survival of the species.
   • infant and caregiver are biologically prepared to respond to each other's behaviours.

3. Harlow and Zimmerman

   • 'contact comfort' more important than hunger satisfaction.
   • rhesus monkeys clung to terry cloth covered "mothers", even though wire mesh mothers had a milk bottle.

4. Development of attachment.

   • first three years of live are a very sensitive period.
   • four stages:
     • 1) pre-attachment (0-2 months); indiscriminate social responsiveness.
     • 2) attachment in the making (2-7 months); recognition of familiar people.
     • 3) clear-cut attachment (7-24 months); separation protest, wariness of strangers, intentional communication.
     • 4) goal-corrected partnership (24 months on); relationships more two-sided, children understand parents' needs.
   • Mary Ainsworth - The Strange Situation.
     • four keys of observation:
       • exploration
       • reaction to departure
       • stranger anxiety
       • reunion
     • three main styles of attachment.
       • SECURE ATTACHMENT
         • 65-70% of one-year-olds
         • freely explore new environments.
         • touches base with caregiver periodically for security
         • may or may not cry when separated
         • when caregiver returns, crying ceases quickly.
       • INSECURE-AVOIDANT ATTACHMENT
         • 15% of one-year-olds
         • do not cry when separated
         • reacts to stranger similar to how they react to caregiver
         • when reunited, avoids or is slow to greet caregiver
       • INSECURE-RESISTANT ATTACHMENT
         • 10-15% of infants
         • seek contact with caregiver before separation
         • when reunited, first seek caregiver, but then resist or reject comfort.
     • forth type of attachment: INSECURE-DISORGANISED ATTACHMENT
       • 5-10% of infants
       • elements of both avoidant and resistant (confused)
       • during reunion, they are disorientated and disorganised. look dazed.
       • freeze in the middle of their movements.
       • engage in repetitive behaviours
       • apprehensive and fearful of caregiver
       • unable to cope in a consistent and organised way.