Attachment

What is adaptation?

behaviours that increase survival chances

• in attachment, seeking closeness to caregivers helps infants stay safe

What is imprinting?

automatic attachment to the first moving object seen after birth

What is a critical period?

a limited window in which attachment must occur for normal development

• for humans: within the first 2 years of life

What is attachment?

a biological system that activates when we’re stressed or in danger

Behavioural Systems

1. attachment system

   • being most comfortable when in their secure place/with their secure person

2. exploration system

   • to learn about the environment

   • works best when child feels safe and supported

3. affiliation system

   • forming social bonds beyond the caregiver

4. sexual and caregiving systems

What is the self determination theory?

• explains human motivation and psychological growth

• suggest we have Two Core Tendencies we must balance:

  1. need for relatedness (connection)

  2. need for autonomy (independence)

When is the attachment system activated?

1. stressful situation → attachment system ON

2. normal/calm situation → attachment system OFF, exploration system ON

How is attachment activated?

The child asks (unconsciously):

1. Is my caregiver present and unresponsive?

2. If I seek support, will I get it?

Secure Attachment

• if child answers yes to both questions:

  • the child feels safe

  • they emotionally regulate better, return to play/exploration

• outcome = healthy emotional development

Anxious Attachment

• hyper activation = child is oversensitive and clingy

• constant worry about availability of caregiver

• doesn’t easily return to exploration

Avoidant Attachment

• hypoactivation = suppresses emotion, avoids seeking comfort

• appears independent but emotionally distant

Disorganized Attachment

• if everything goes wrong (ex. abuse, neglect)

• no consistent strategy

• behaviors are approaching but also fearful

• often associated with trauma

How is attachment formed?

1. in the first year (nature)

   • biology prepares infants to form bonds but the type of bond will depend on experience

2. genetic influence

   • genes don’t cause attachment types directly

   • some children are more sensitive to how they’re treated

3. after infancy (culture and experience)

   • attachment can change over time depending on what we go through

What are qualitative methods in studying attachment?

• strange situation

  • observes how infants respond to separations and reunions

• attachment questionnaires (adults and adolescents)

  • secure-autonomous

    • balanced, coherent view of relationships

    • open, realistic

  • insecure-preoccupied

    • over-involved with past experiences

    • emotional and confused

  • insecure-dismissing

    • downplays importance of relationships

    • idealizes or forgets early experiences

  • disorganized

    • lacks a clear strategy

    • often linked to trauma or loss

Four dimensions of parental sensitivity

1. vulnerability vs. invulnerability

2. availability vs. ignoring/neglecting

3. cooperation vs. interference

4. acceptance vs. rejection

Stages of Attachment —- Asocial Stage

• 0-6 weeks

• babies respond similarly to people and objects

• no preference but show interest in faces and eyes

Stages of Attachment —- Indiscriminate Attachments

• 6 weeks - 6 months

• prefer human company over objects

• can distinguish familiar and unfamiliar people but show no strong attachment yet

• are comforted by anyone

Stages of Attachment —- Specific Attachment

• 7+ months

• strong attachment to one primary caregiver

• show separation anxiety when caregiver leaves

• also show stranger anxiety

• use this person as a secure bone for exploration

Stages of Attachment —- Multiple Attachments

• 10/11+ months

• form bonds with several people

• this broadens their emotional support network