Developmental Psychology

The Science of Attachment from Infancy to Adulthood.

What is Attachment Theory?

• A strong lasting and affectionate bonds that an individual shares with another significant individual, who responds to others needs.

• Significant Individual- Attachment figure

• In childhood tends to be mother (Not always the case)

• In adulthood tends to be the partner/ other close adult.

• It provides a framework for understanding how individuals form close relationships.

• First as children and later as adults

  • What is it Concerned with ?

    • Establishment of close relational bonds,

    • How emotions become regulated within those bonds,

    • And the mental organisation and representation of relationships and affect.

• Attachment behaviour aims to bring the infant into proximity with the caregiver : survival and protection and comfort/removal of discomfort.

Types of Attachment Behaviours:

• Proximity Seeking- Goal is to attain and retain proximity to attachment figure to provide comfort, protection and care.

• Safe haven- Attachment figure provides comfort and safety in the face of threat or fear.

• Once proximity to attachment figure is achieved attachment switches off.

• Secure base behaviours- Attachment figure serves as a base from the individual can explore the environment.

Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation and Attachment Styles:

• Developed by psychologist Mary Ainsworth, the Strange Situation is an experimental procedure designed to observe and assess the quality of attachment between an infant and their caregiver.

• It typically involves a series of separations and reunions with the primary caregiver and a stranger in an unfamiliar playroom
  environment.

• Based on infants' reactions, three primary attachment styles were identified:

1. Secure Attachment

• Behavior during separation: Infant shows distress when the caregiver leaves.

• Behavior during reunion: Infant seeks comfort and is easily soothed by the caregiver upon their return, then returns to exploration.

• Caregiver's role: Usually responsive and sensitive to the child's needs.

2. Anxious-Ambivalent (or Resistant) Attachment

• Behavior during separation: Infant becomes extremely distressed when the caregiver leaves and may be inconsolable.

• Behavior during reunion: Infant both seeks and resists comfort simultaneously, may appear angry, clingy, and difficult to soothe even when the caregiver returns.

• Caregiver's role: Often inconsistent in their responsiveness, sometimes available and sometimes not.

3. Anxious-Avoidant (or Insecure-Avoidant) Attachment

• Behavior during separation: Infant shows little sign of distress when the caregiver leaves.

• Behavior during reunion: Infant actively avoids or ignores the caregiver upon their return, shows