ATTACHMENT THEORY PSYCH 4040: Developmental Psychology Social and Emotional Development Nicole Lim
Your thoughts? What are some needs that are important to a baby? In a group, discuss & rank
Our Goals for Today Identify key stages and components of Bowlby’s Attachment Theory Distinguish between the categories in Ainsworth’s Attachment theory Characteristics Measurements Implications Ability to apply what we learn
Defining Attachment Enduring emotional bond that exists between a child and significant people in the child’s life “Lasting psychological connectedness between human beings” - Bowlby “Affectional tie that one person or animal forms between himself and another specific one – a tie that binds them together in space and endures over time” - Ainsworth
Bowlby’s Four Phases of Attachment Preattachment phase (birth - 6 weeks) Do not discriminate amongst people around them Attachment-in-the-making (6 weeks - 6-8 months) Infants prefer familiar people
Bowlby’s Four Phases of Attachment Clear-cut attachment (6-8 months - 1½-2 years) Infants actively seek contact with familiar individuals Separation Anxiety Reciprocal relationships (1½-2 years +) Working partnerships with caregivers
Bowlby’s Four Key Components of Attachment Proximity Maintenance Safe Haven Secure Base Separation Distress
Video: Identify the Components! baby scared of vacuum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWJzWl3k45E Proximity Maintenance Safe Haven Secure Base Separation Distress
Evaluating Attachment Ainsworth’s “Strange Situation” Procedure Mom & child play Stranger enters 1st Separation – Mom leaves 1st Reunion – Mom returns 2nd Separation – Mom leaves 2nd Reunion – Mom returns 2nd Reunion – Mom returns
Attachment Categories Secure (65%) Caregiver = secure base Seeks contact Comforted by mother Greets mother happily after separation Ambivalent/Resistant (15%) Extreme distress during separation Won’t be comforted upon caregiver’s return Expresses anger at caregiver
Attachment Categories Insecure/avoidant (20%) Little distress during separations Avoids contact with mother upon return Disorganized Attachment (<5%) Inconsistent behaviors Often appear dazed or disoriented
Video: Attachment Categories Secure, Insecure, Avoidant & Ambivalent Attachment in Mothers & Babies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH1m_ZMO7GU
Let’s discuss In what ways can Attachment theory be applied to your interest/field? Review the list you created for “what’s important to babies”, are there any changes to your rankings? ? ? ?