Attachment “The formation of a strong, reciprocal emotional bond between an infant and a primary caregiver”

Attachment Behaviours that indicate attachment (Maccoby, 1980): Proximity seeking (especially when stressed) Separation distress & pleasure when reunited General orientation towards specific individual

Development of Attachments When do attachments form? How do they vary over time? Who does the child attach to? What influences choice of attachment figure?

Development of Attachments Shaffer & Emerson (1964) Longitudinal study in natural environment Observations & diary records Measured attachment via (1) separation distress; (2) stranger anxiety

Development of Attachments When? First attachment usually formed by 8 months Stranger anxiety usually 1 month later Attachment strength peaks during first month

Development of Attachment Who? 65% mother only 30% mother & another (often father) 3% father only Responsiveness, play and social interaction matter most in attachment formation Not necessarily person who fed, changed, washed or spent most time with child

Stages of Development 0-2 months – pre attachment Preference for people over objects, but no discrimination between people 3-7 months – indiscriminate attachment Apparent preference for familiar people (e.g. smiling more at some people) 7 months – discriminate attachment True emotional attachment. Multiple attachments by about 9 months

Comments & Criticisms Infants may have stronger preferences than Shaffer and others allow for: Infants show preference for mothers face within 24 hrs of birth (Bushnell et al, 1989) Other evidence suggests recognition of mother’s voice & scent in neonates

Comments & Criticisms Attachment may correlate with development, not strictly age Ugandan children show stranger anxiety earlier, also begin crawling earlier (Ainsworth, 1967) Correlation between attachment and mobility makes evolutionary sense However, most evidence suggests that Shaffer’s work is very robust