explanations of attachment

Evolutionary explanation states attachment is a…

biological instinct

Learning theory states attachments are…

learnt

Operant conditioning: Once association made between caregiver and food, baby engages in behaviours that increase presence of caregiver like… , encouraging attachment behaviour when baby…

smiling, cries

This reinforcement is a two way process…

Negative for…

Positive for…

mum, baby

Positive reinforcement in this situation:

baby cries for comfort

Negative reinforcement in this situation:

mother comforts to stop it crying

This positive and negative reinforcement…

strengthens attachment behaviour

A baby has primary drives like…

hunger, comfort

We eat to reduce this drive, caregiver gives food and is associated with…

satisfaction of this drive

Attachment is therefore a secondary drive, learnt by…

association between caregiver and satisfaction