Antisocial and Attachment

Course Updates

  • Grades for Test Two

    • Grades posted on Google reflect the true points earned on the test.

    • Adjusted the grading scale due to numerous test errors:

    • Test was graded out of 58 instead of 60.

    • Anomaly: Some students received over 100% (scores above 58) due to the new grading scale.

    • Students can choose to ignore the bonus scoring if preferred.

  • Class Schedule Adjustments

    • Upcoming topics:

    • Family

    • Peers

    • No class scheduled for Thanksgiving break.

    • Test review scheduled after break to prepare for final exam.

  • Final Assignment Due Date

    • Originally due on the 24th, extended to the 26th to serve as a buffer allowing completion over Thanksgiving.

    • Emphasized importance of submitting on or before the 26th to avoid deductions and ensure timely grading before final exams.

Transition to Lecture Material

  • Overview of Moral Development

    • Progressed from prosocial behaviors to antisocial behaviors.

Antisocial Behaviors

  • Definition

    • Antisocial behaviors violate the rights of others or cause harm.

  • Aggression in Young Children

    • Development of Aggression:

    • Infants exhibit physical aggression (e.g., hitting, biting).

    • Preschoolers display increased verbal aggression as part of language development.

    • Types of Aggression:

    • Instrumental Aggression:

      • Goal-oriented behavior, such as pushing to get ahead in line or grabbing toys.

    • Reactive Aggression:

      • Responses to real or perceived threats, stemming from provocation.

    • Relational Aggression:

      • Harm to relationships; more common as children age.

  • Stability of Aggression

    • Some children display stable aggression into adulthood.

    • Study correlation provided evidence on aggression persisting from age 8 to 30.

  • Roots of Aggression

    • Genetic Component:

    • Evidence from twin studies indicates heritability in aggression levels.

    • Social/Familial Impact:

    • Parenting styles impact children’s aggressive behaviors.

    • Consistent discipline and emotional support can mitigate aggression.

    • Inhibitory Control:

    • Children with low impulse control are more likely to react aggressively when provoked.

  • Violent Media Influence on Aggression

    • Correlation found between exposure to violent media (TV shows and video games) and aggressive behavior, though causation remains debated.

    • Various research on violent video games and aggressive tendencies among users, utilizing experimental designs.

  • Video Game Research

    • Hot Sauce Paradigm:

    • Measure of aggression based on how much hot sauce a participant chooses to administer to an opponent.

    • Experimental conditions differentiated between violent/non-violent and competitive/non-competitive games.

    • Results indicate competitiveness influences aggression more than violence in games.

  • Key Research Findings

    • Competitive games raise aggression levels regardless of violence present in the game.

    • Elevated physiological responses contribute to aggressive responses in competitive settings.

Attachment Theory

  • Attachment Definition

    • Affectionate reciprocal relationship formed between infants and caregivers.

    • Importance of providing social affection in addition to physical needs like food.

  • Harlow's Monkeys Study

    • Contrasting findings from studies on preference for comfort (soft mother) versus food source (wire mother).

    • Design and implications of unethical studies exploring emotional attachment in monkeys.

  • Types of Attachment Stages

    • Stages of development of attachment:

    1. Pre-attachment (0-2 months):

      • Infants recognize caregivers but do not yet attach.

    2. Attachment in the Making (2-8 months):

      • Warms up to familiar caregivers.

    3. Clear-Cut Attachment (8 months-1.5 years):

      • Identifies primary attachment figure.

    4. Reciprocal Relationships (1.5 years+):

      • Develops multiple attachments and understands return of caregivers.

  • Strange Situation Procedure

    • Developed by Mary Ainsworth to measure the quality of a child's attachment to their caregiver.

    • Observes responses to caregiver leaving and returning to assess attachment style.

  • Attachment Styles

    • Secure Attachment:

    • Distressed when caregiver leaves, easily comforted upon return (60-65% prevalence).

    • Avoidant Attachment:

    • Disinterested in caregiver's presence; little reaction to arrivals/departures.

    • Anxious Attachment:

    • Highly distressed upon separation; difficulty being comforted upon return.

    • Disorganized Attachment:

    • Inconsistent behavior, often linked to trauma or abuse.

  • Influences on Attachment Quality

    • Secure attachments are linked to sensitive, responsive parenting.

    • Quality of childcare and time spent does not negatively impact development of secure attachment in children, barring extreme situations of neglect.

  • Research on Diverse Family Structures

    • Study contrasting attachment outcomes among children adopted by same-sex and heterosexual parents.

    • Findings show that children raised by both same-sex parents exhibited higher levels of secure attachment potentially due to lower stress environments during adoption.

Implications of Attachment on Future Relationships

  • Early attachment affects future relationships, such as friendships and romantic partnerships.

  • Secure attachment correlates with stability and higher quality relationships into adulthood.