Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which attachment style is characterized by strong separation anxiety but resistance to caregiver soothing efforts?
Which attachment style is characterized by strong separation anxiety but resistance to caregiver soothing efforts?
What is a significant factor promoting secure attachment according to Ainsworth’s Caregiving Hypothesis?
What is a significant factor promoting secure attachment according to Ainsworth’s Caregiving Hypothesis?
What behavior is typical of infants with disorganized attachment?
What behavior is typical of infants with disorganized attachment?
How does an infant's temperament affect their attachment quality?
How does an infant's temperament affect their attachment quality?
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What is the Internal Working Model as proposed by Bowlby?
What is the Internal Working Model as proposed by Bowlby?
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What behavior was most prominently observed in rhesus monkeys raised in isolation?
What behavior was most prominently observed in rhesus monkeys raised in isolation?
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During which stage of attachment development do infants exhibit a clear preference for a primary caregiver?
During which stage of attachment development do infants exhibit a clear preference for a primary caregiver?
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Which of the following attachment behaviors is NOT considered instinctual?
Which of the following attachment behaviors is NOT considered instinctual?
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What influences the initial attachment formation between infants and their caregivers?
What influences the initial attachment formation between infants and their caregivers?
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Which type of anxiety is characterized by infants' fear of unfamiliar people, peaking at 8-10 months?
Which type of anxiety is characterized by infants' fear of unfamiliar people, peaking at 8-10 months?
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In Ainsworth’s Strange Situation, what is primarily assessed during the reunion episode?
In Ainsworth’s Strange Situation, what is primarily assessed during the reunion episode?
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Which factor is NOT a requirement for measuring attachment effectively?
Which factor is NOT a requirement for measuring attachment effectively?
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What observation was made regarding peer-raised monkeys compared to those raised in isolation?
What observation was made regarding peer-raised monkeys compared to those raised in isolation?
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Study Notes
Harlow's Monkey Studies
- Harlow's research investigated attachment in rhesus monkeys.
- Isolated monkeys displayed significant social anxiety and withdrawal.
- Monkeys prioritized comfort over food, spending substantially more time with a soft "mother" than a wire "mother" providing nourishment.
- Peer-raised monkeys formed attachments with peers but showed reduced parenting skills.
- Isolated adult monkeys could regain social abilities if paired with juvenile monkeys.
John Bowlby's Attachment Theory
- Bowlby's theory centers on attachment ensuring infant survival by proximity to caregivers.
- Caregivers act as a secure base for exploration and safety.
Attachment Behaviors
- Attachment behaviors are instinctual actions, including: smiling, crying, clinging, "cuteness".
- These behaviors promote caregiver proximity.
Bases of Social Interactions
- Contingent responding, or reciprocity, describes reciprocal caregiver-child interactions.
- Social referencing is relying on others' cues in uncertain situations.
Stages of Attachment Development
- Pre-Attachment (0–6 weeks): Infants use signals to encourage caregiver proximity.
- Indiscriminate Attachment (6 weeks–6/7 months): Infants prefer familiar caregivers but aren't distressed by separation.
- Specific Attachment (6/8–18/24 months): Infants demonstrate clear preference for a primary caregiver; stranger and separation anxiety emerge.
- Multiple Attachments & Reciprocal Relationships (>18/24 months): Infants form attachments with multiple individuals and develop reciprocal relationships.
Attachment to Mother and Father
- Initial attachment may form earlier with mothers, but cultural factors influence considerably over biology.
- Hormonal changes affect both parents' parenting.
Attachment-Related Fears
- Stranger anxiety peaks at 8–10 months and then declines.
- Separation anxiety peaks between 14–18 months, followed by decline.
Measuring Attachment: Ainsworth's Strange Situation
- A structured procedure (8 episodes, 3 minutes each) assessing attachment through:
- Use of caregiver as a secure base.
- Stranger anxiety reactions.
- Separation anxiety responses.
- Reunion behaviors.
Attachment Types
- Secure (65–70%): Uses caregiver as secure base, demonstrates separation anxiety but calms with reunion.
- Avoidant (~20%): Shows little separation anxiety, avoids or ignores caregiver during reunion.
- Resistant (~10%): High separation anxiety, resists caregiver's attempts to soothe.
- Disorganized (~5%): Inconsistent behaviors; confusion about approaching or avoiding the caregiver (e.g. freezing or dazed).
- Disinhibited/Indiscriminate Attachment: Exhibits little preference between caregiver and strangers; may be overly friendly or unfriendly to strangers.
Factors Influencing Attachment Styles
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Parent-Related Factors (Ainsworth):
- Sensitivity, positive attitude, synchrony, mutuality, support, and stimulation in caregiving foster secure attachment.
- Infant-Related Factors: Infant temperament affects attachment quality; temperamentally difficult infants may receive less responsive caregiving.
Internal Working Model (Bowlby)
- Mental representation of self and others (influencing relational expectations).
- Different attachment styles result in distinct mental models of relationships.
Attachment and Later Development
- Secure attachment often correlates with better social interactions in later life.
- A direct causal link between early attachment and later development isn't proven.
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Description
Explore the foundational concepts of attachment through Harlow's monkey studies and Bowlby's theory. This quiz delves into the mechanisms of attachment behaviors and the social interactions between caregivers and infants. Test your understanding of how these studies illuminate our comprehension of social development.
