Communication and Social Behaviour Higher Human Biology Subtopic 20 Infant attachment and non-verbal communication

Learning Intentions To explain the importance of infant attachment To explain the importance of social competence To explain types of non-verbal communication To state the importance of communication

Humans are social animals. Communication between species members is vital for success. Communication can be verbal, non-verbal or written.

Attachment Humans have a long dependency period. To trigger a carer’s response, babies…. ……… suckle, cling and cry Attachment has survival advantages : - food - warmth - comfort - protection

The emotional tie that develops between a carer and baby is called…… The emotional tie that develops between a carer and baby is called…….. INFANT ATTACHMENT

Types of Attachment Attachment is first indiscriminate - baby will attach to anyone. It turns to specific attachment between 6 – 9 months - baby attaches to a select few people.

Contact Comfort Experiments showed that a monkey would chose a warm, cloth model mother over one that provided food. Harlows monkeys

Importance of Attachment Safety is needed so that social and cognitive skills can develop. It is vital for developing trust.

Strange Situation **see textbook** This experiment tests a child’s attachment. strange situation

The process….. A mother brings baby into an unfamiliar room supplied with toys A stranger enters the room and plays with baby Mother leaves Mother returns and plays with baby while stranger leaves Mother leaves the baby alone The stranger returns The mother returns

Categories of Attachment Securely attached (70%) Baby is attached to mother and distressed when she leaves but comfortable in the situation. (mother more important) Insecurely avoidant (15%) Baby is NOT attached to mother and isn’t bothered when she leaves. (mother/ stranger equal) Insecurely resistant (15%) Baby is ‘overly; attached to mother and uncomfortable in the situation (mother important but also resented)

Importance of SECURE Attachment Children grow up to be social leaders who don’t give up easily.

Socialisation

Socialisation Socialisation is the modification of an individuals behaviour to accommodate the demands of social life. Our long childhood lets us develop social competence : - a personal identity - values - behavioural, cognitive and emotional skills feral children

Methods of Control Social competence depends on the parental control method : Authoritarian Unreasonably strict Authoritative Demanding but responsive Children develop into self-reliant, academically successful, social individuals Permissive Excessively lenient

Communication

What is communication? …………….the transfer of information (facts, feeling, ideas, opinions) between people. It can be verbal or non-verbal.

For interest…. Comforting 80% of mothers hold babies on the LHS… Heartbeat offers a familiar rhythm Comforting

All trigger the desire to protect and provide Non-verbal in Infants NV communication is important in parent-infant bonding and is of high survival value. Crying Clinging Suckling All trigger the desire to protect and provide

4 WEEKS OLD… Smiling occurs before it is even considered a genuine social activity 2 MONTHS OLD…. Response to external stimuli, creates feeling of well being

Ensures, food, care, attention etc 6 MONTHS OLD… Smiling becomes a selective, social act Reserved for close family members SURVIVAL VALUE Ensures, food, care, attention etc

Adults and NV Communication It reinforces verbal messages / add to the info. Facial expressions Eye contact Body language Physical proximity Touching

1. 2. 3. happiness surprise anger sadness 4. 5. 6. fear disgust

BBC Smiling Test

Eye Contact Embarrassing between strangers More often between friends Used to show sexual interest Difficult to maintain when lying

Body Language Expressed by postures, gestures and other activities such as folding arms. Some gestures have definite meaning, others indicate emotional states of mind.

bored

What is your body language? Possible emotional state Posture Tense Fairly stiff, sitting up straight Bored/sad Slumped, arms folded Relaxed Sprawled in a chair, legs wide Frightened Lying in foetal position Confrontational Feet apart, arms wide

Personal Space An unwritten accepted distance. Increases = dislike Decreases = possible sexual attraction or aggression The closer you are the less eye contact you make.

Touching Powerful communication. Can show closeness of the relationship. Shows support, playfulness, appreciation, affection.

Verbal Communication Expressed as sounds and symbols. Allows the transfer and receipt of info on a daily basis and between generations/ Language promotes our learning.

Learning Intentions To explain the importance of infant attachment To explain the importance of social competence To explain types of non-verbal communication To state the importance of communication