A-Level Psychology Attachment Revision Notes

A set of flashcards summarizing key concepts of attachment theory and research in A-Level Psychology.

Reciprocity

The interaction between caregiver and infant where both parties respond to each other's signals, such as a smile triggering a smile.

Interactional Synchrony

A form of rhythmic interaction between infant and caregiver involving mutual focus, reciprocity, and mirroring of emotions or behavior.

Types of Attachment

Classification of attachment styles observed in children, including secure, insecure-avoidant, and insecure-resistant.

Stages of Attachment

The sequence in which attachments develop in infants as identified by Schaffer and Emerson: pre-attachment, indiscriminate attachments, discriminate attachments, and multiple attachments.

Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

Bowlby’s theory suggesting that attachment is innate and provides a secure base for exploration, with one primary attachment figure being crucial for development.

Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis

Bowlby’s claim that continuous emotional care is essential for healthy development, and that separation from a primary caregiver can lead to long-term negative consequences.

Secure Attachment

A type of attachment where children are distressed when separated from their caregiver but are easily comforted upon reunion.

Insecure-Avoidant Attachment

A type of attachment characterized by a lack of distress when separated from the caregiver and avoidance during reunion.

Insecure-Resistant Attachment

A type of attachment marked by intense distress upon separation and ambivalence towards the caregiver upon reunion.

Critical Period

A limited time during which an attachment must form, typically considered to be between 6 to 9 months.

Harlow's Study

Research on baby monkeys that showed the importance of comfort over food in forming attachments.

Lorenz's Imprinting Theory

Imprinting is a form of rapid learning that occurs shortly after birth, where young animals follow and form attachment to the first moving object they see.

Dynamic System of Attachment

A view that explains how attachment types can develop and change over time based on experiences and relationships.

Internal Working Model

A mental representation of the self and relationships formed from early attachments that impacts future relationships.

Cultural Variations in Attachment

Differences in attachment styles as influenced by the cultural context of child-rearing practices.

Rutter's Romanian Orphans Study

Investigation showing that early deprivation has long-term effects but that some children may recover if they are placed in a responsive environment.

Schaffer & Emerson

Researchers who conducted a study identifying the stages of attachment in infants and their development.

Role of Fathers in Attachment

Research indicating that while fathers may play a different role, they can also form secure attachments with their children.

Ainsworth's Strange Situation

A controlled observational study to assess the quality of attachments between infants and their caregivers through a series of structured episodes.

Continuity Hypothesis

The theory suggesting that early patterns of attachment will influence the quality of future relationships.