1. An Alternative Theory of Attachments The Behaviourist Theory

2. The Behaviourist Theory of Attachments BATs Outline the behaviourist theory of Attachment (E+) Compare this theory to Bowlby’s (C+)

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okr8aK3Kb YI naughty step http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okr8aK3Kb YI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py-- U0nOWVE supernanny – 26mins in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py-- U0nOWVE The behaviourist theory says that attachment is not an INSTINCTIVE process (NATURE), but relies on learning and experience (NURTURE) The behaviourist theory is sometimes called the Learning Theory of Attachment

4. Reinforcement Infants learn to attach to people by REINFORCEMENT This means learning by consequences If the consequence of a behaviour is positive (a reward is given) the behaviour will be repeated Give an example of this … Why were the children in the Supernanny clips being so badly behaved in the first place? The parents had REWARDED them by paying attention to their naughty attention

5. How does Reinforcement work with Attachments? In pairs discuss what a baby might do to be rewarded. Gazing, smiling, cooing and crying will get attention from the caregiver. Caregiver will give food, comfort and keep the child safe, all very rewarding.

6. How does Reinforcement work with Attachments? These behaviours REINFORCE the bond between caregiver and infant – attachment behaviours become more common. Attachment 2-way – caregivers also form an attachment because it is rewarding for them too.

7. How does Reinforcement work with Attachments? So the infant and caregiver learn to bond with each other because they both benefit from the relationship. This helps to explain why children do not bond with caregivers who neglect and abuse them In these cases there is nothing rewarding about the relationship They may even see relationships as punishing, so avoid them

8. Experience The behaviourist theory suggests that whether a child attaches or not depends on experience. Research has shown that there is a relationship between attachments and parenting styles In pairs discuss what you think the parenting styles of each type of attachment might be …

9. Over to you … Outline the behaviourist theory You could use bullet points, a mind map or some other way to make notes. Use p 39-40 to help you if necessary Include these key terms … Instinctive, learning, reinforcement, consequence, rewards, bond, two-way process, relationship, experience, parenting styles, secure, insecure avoidant, insecure ambivalent, sensitive, reject, misunderstand

10. Plenary Activity 3.6 p 39 Act out how a parent could reinforce attachment

11. Comparing Bowlby’s theory with Behaviourist Theory of Attachment Draw up a table or draw round 2 hands – on the one hand outline Bowlby’s theory on the other hand outline the behaviourist theory and highlight similarities and differences.

12. Homework Use Bowlby’s and the Behaviourist (Learning) theory of attachment to help you decide if attachment is the result of nature (instinct) or nurture (learning and experience). 10 marks 4 marks for briefly outlining Bowlby’s theory (nature) 4 marks for comparing Bowlby’s theory to Behaviourist (nurture) theory 2 marks for drawing your own conclusion based on the theories Use the 2 hands notes to help you

13. Over to you …. Get into small groups You will be given a particular attachment type Role play how mother and baby would behave Rest of group have to guess which type of attachment is being portrayed If you are not keen to take part, be involved with directing the role- play