Attachment and the development of social relationships
What is attachment?
Attachment
- A strong emotional bond formed between a child and their mother, father or
primary carer
Separation anxiety
- The anxiety a child experiences when separated from the mother or primary
carer
Stranger anxiety
- The anxiety children experience when people who are unfamiliar to them are in
their presence.
Why study attachment?
Early relationship with caregiver (usually mother) is crucial throughout development
- It works as a template for other social relationships including peer and romantic
relationships
- It predicts other outcomes including educational performance and mental health
- It has important implications for parenting and educational practice.
Konrad Lorenz (1903-1989)
Papa Goose.
Critical periods
A critical period is a time frame in which certain kinds of experiences are essential for
normal development
, A sensitive period is a time frame in which specific experiences are optimal for
development to occur in a typical way.
Harry Harlow (1905-1981)
Took baby monkeys away from their mothers
Gave them a fake wire monkey that contained food and a soft cuddly monkey that
didn’t provide food
Baby monkeys chose soft monkey as their mother.
Early attachment theory
John Bowlby (1907-1990)
Maternal deprivation hypothesis
- If children are deprived of contact with the mother during a critical period when
the primary attachment relationship is being formed (6 months to 3 years), there
will be negative consequences to emotional and mental health.
Bowlby’s attachment phases
Pre-attachment: 0-2 months
- The infant shows little differentiation in responses to mother and other people,
familiar or unfamiliar
Early attachment: 2-7 months
- The infant begins to recognise mother, gradually more likely to be comforted by
her
Separation protest: 7-9 moths to 2 years
- The infant seeks to maintain proximity with mother, is wary of strangers and
protests when separated
Goal-corrected: 2-3 years and up
- The infant has more abstract representations of attachment (trust, affection,
approval), begins to understand mother’s needs, and is increasingly
independent.
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