Chapter 7: Infant Social and Emotional Development

behaviorism vs. ethological views on attachment

• behaviorism: attachment behaviors are learned through conditioning (caregivers feed their infants and tend to their other physiological needs → infants associate their caregivers with gratification and learn to approach them to meet their needs)

• ethological: attachment is an inborn fixed action pattern (FAP) that occurs in the presence of a species-specific releasing stimulus during a critical period of development

Harlow’s contact comfort study

• infant monkeys spent most of their time clinging to the cloth mother, even though she did not offer food

• contact comfort: the pleasure derived from physical contact with another person; a hypothesized need or drive for physical contact with another

John Bowlby and attachment

• Coined term of attachment in research: child’s innate need to form bonds for survival (mostly referring to periods of fear and distress)

• Two important components of attachment: safe haven (child feels protected with the caregiver); secure base (they know the caregiver will still be there if they explore)

secure attachment

a type of attachment characterized by showing mild distress at leave-takings, seeking nearness to an attachment figure, and being readily soothed by this figure

avoidant attachment

a type of insecure attachment characterized by apparent indifference to the leave-takings of, and reunions with, an attachment figure

ambivalent/resistant attachment

a type of insecure attachment characterized by severe distress at the leave-takings of, and ambivalent behavior at reunions with, an attachment figure

disorganized/disoriented attachment

a type of insecure attachment characterized by dazed and contradictory behaviors toward an attachment figure

initial pre-attachment phase

the first phase in the formation of bonds of attachment, lasting from birth to about 3 months of age and characterized by indiscriminate attachment

attachment-in-the-making phase

the second phase in the development of attachment, occurring at 3 or 4 months of age and characterized by preference for familiar figures

clear-cut attachment phase

the third phase in the development of attachment, occurring at 6 or 7 months of age and characterized by intensified dependence on the primary caregiver

temperament

• individual differences in styles of reaction that are present early in life

  • activity level, quality of mood, sensitivity to sensory stimulation, etc.

• an initial biological predisposition toward a certain temperament may be strengthened or weakened by the parents’ reaction to the child

emotional regulation

• techniques for controlling one’s emotional states

• caregivers play an important role in helping infants learn to regulate their emotions

• a two-way communication system develops in which the infant signals the caregiver that help is needed and the caregiver responds

autism spectrum disorder

• common signs include difficulties with social interactions, limited eye contact, challenges with nonverbal communication, and sensory sensitivities when exposed to intense lights or sounds

• individuals may also exhibit narrow or intense interests, experience difficulties adapting to changes in their environments or routines, and engage in repetitive actions

• speech therapists help individuals develop critical skills needed for learning and self-expression

• psychiatrists conduct a comprehensive mental and physical assessment and help manage symptoms

• behavior modification is used to help them develop new behavior (ex. praise can then be used to encourage speech and social play)