Attachment Theory Overview and Research
60 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does attachment theory primarily seek to explain?

  • The impact of cultural differences on friendships
  • The role of conflict resolution in adult relationships
  • The importance of financial support in relationships
  • The nature of close emotional bonds between children and caregivers (correct)

Who was the original developer of attachment theory?

  • John Bowlby (correct)
  • Carl Rogers
  • Erik Erikson
  • Sigmund Freud

Which of the following is NOT a goal of the module on attachment theory?

  • Describe the impact of nutrition on personality development (correct)
  • Discuss the consequences of secure versus insecure attachment
  • Identify patterns of attachment in adult relationships
  • Explain how the attachment system works

What aspect of relationships does attachment theory particularly emphasize?

<p>The role of close emotional bonds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of secure attachment in adult relationships?

<p>Increased ability to trust others (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about attachment patterns is most accurate?

<p>Attachment patterns can change over a person's life. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What core principle is essential to understanding human behavior according to attachment theory?

<p>Close relationships are essential for emotional well-being. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of understanding individual differences in attachment security?

<p>To enhance understanding of personality development (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Bowlby observe about infants' behavior towards their parents during separation?

<p>They go to extreme lengths to prevent separation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did some theorists argue that infants are emotionally connected to their mothers?

<p>Because they provide basic needs like food. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Harlow's research demonstrate about the attachment of young monkeys?

<p>Contact comfort is crucial for emotional bonding. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does Bowlby suggest the attachment behavioral system serves?

<p>It regulates proximity to the caregiver. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if a child perceives their attachment figure as inaccessible?

<p>The child may experience anxiety. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Mary Ainsworth contribute to the understanding of infant attachment?

<p>She explored individual differences in attachment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the strange situation, what behavior did most children exhibit when their parent left?

<p>They became upset and sought out their parent upon return. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Bowlby link to the adaptive responses of infants in attachment?

<p>Evolutionary survival strategies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the goal of the attachment behavioral system?

<p>To maintain close contact with caregivers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way Bowlby believed infants would benefit from proximity to their caregivers?

<p>Protection and care for survival. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents Bowlby's view of infants' attachment behaviors?

<p>They have an evolutionary basis for survival. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a behavior Bowlby observed in infants separated from their parents?

<p>Engaging in aggressive exploring. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the attachment behavioral system compare to according to Bowlby?

<p>A home thermostat. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the perception of a caregiver's availability have on a child’s behavior?

<p>They may feel secure and explore their environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of children are typically classified as avoidant in attachment studies?

<p>20% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might anxious-resistant children exhibit when reunited with their parents after separation?

<p>They show conflicting behaviors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major finding of Ainsworth's research regarding secure children?

<p>They are likely to have responsive parents. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which attachment pattern tends to be associated with parents who provide insensitive care?

<p>Both B and C (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is associated with secure children over time?

<p>Having positive relationships with peers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Hazan and Shaver contribute to the understanding of attachment?

<p>Adult romantic relationships are influenced by attachment styles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key focus of the longitudinal studies conducted by Grossmann and colleagues?

<p>The relationship between attachment patterns and home interactions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What outcome is typically observed in children whose mothers participate in interventions to enhance sensitive responsiveness?

<p>Improved sociability and exploration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of care is associated with insecure-avoidant children?

<p>Inconsistent or rejecting care. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do insecure-avoidant children typically respond to their parents upon reunion?

<p>They generally ignore their parents and focus on toys. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the caregiver's ability to support a stressed child have on emotional regulation?

<p>It helps the child learn emotional regulation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of anxious-resistant children?

<p>Difficulty being soothed after a parent leaves. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of attachment pattern identified by Ainsworth?

<p>Passive-aggressive (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state characterizes secure attachment in children?

<p>Confident exploration of their environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes individuals who describe themselves as secure in their relationships?

<p>They find it easy to get close to others and depend on them. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Hazan and Shaver, which statement best reflects the relationship transition that occurs as children grow into adults?

<p>Childhood attachment figures are gradually replaced by romantic partners. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary finding of Oldmeadow, Quinn, and Kowert's study regarding Facebook use?

<p>People with anxious attachment styles use Facebook frequently. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of adults classified themselves as secure according to Hazan and Shaver's findings?

<p>60% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which attachment pattern is characterized by discomfort with intimacy and trust issues?

<p>Avoidant (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does social media play from an attachment perspective?

<p>It can serve attachment functions by connecting users with loved ones. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes those who are categorized as anxious-resistant in their attachment style?

<p>They desire closeness, which sometimes frightens partners away. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is commonly seen in people with avoidant attachment styles?

<p>They avoid getting too close to others. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What demographic trend was found regarding attachment patterns in Hazan and Shaver's study?

<p>Secure individuals were more likely to have supportive upbringing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be the ideal qualities individuals seek in romantic partners, according to the supported research?

<p>Attributes of kindness, trustworthiness, and caring. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does modern technology, like social media, affect attachment processes?

<p>It facilitates connection with distant attachment figures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common finding regarding romantic partners based on their attachment styles?

<p>Secure individuals are more frequently found with secure partners. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which emotional state typically prompts increased Facebook use among anxious individuals?

<p>Sadness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how adults generally view their relationships when classified as secure?

<p>They maintain positive views about romantic relationships. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary explanation for why secure individuals tend to be attracted to others who are also secure?

<p>Secure people are more likely to be attracted to other secure people. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which study demonstrated that a partner's change in security can influence their counterpart's security in a relationship?

<p>Hudson et al. (2012) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of relationships do secure individuals tend to have compared to insecure individuals?

<p>Higher satisfaction, endurance, and less conflict (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do early experiences with caregivers influence adult attachment styles according to current research?

<p>They probabilistically influence subsequent experiences and outcomes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'attachment security' in the context of childhood experiences?

<p>It signifies the quality of emotional bonds formed with caregivers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What have longitudinal studies suggested about the impact of maternal sensitivity?

<p>It positively predicts security in adulthood from infancy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a predictor of secure attachment in adulthood?

<p>Exclusively parental relationships (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following might be a misconception regarding early attachment experiences?

<p>All individuals with poor early experiences cannot form secure attachments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What outcome is associated with higher attachment security in childhood based on peer relationships?

<p>Quality of friendships in adolescence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the research suggest about changing one's attachment style over time?

<p>Change is possible through corrective experiences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Attachment Theory

A theory explaining close emotional bonds between children and caregivers, and how those bonds affect personality development.

Attachment System

An inborn system in humans that helps us maintain close relationships.

Attachment Patterns (Infancy/Childhood)

Different ways children bond with caregivers impacting adult relationships.

Secure Attachment

A type of attachment where children feel secure and supported by their caregiver.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Insecure Attachment

A type of attachment characterized by anxiety or avoidance in relationships.

Signup and view all the flashcards

John Bowlby

Psychoanalyst who developed attachment theory in the 1940s.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Close Relationships (Adult)

Relationships like love, family, and friendships that are important to human experience.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evolutionary Significance (Attachment)

Attachment's role in ensuring survival and reproduction through social bonds.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bowlby's Attachment Theory

Bowlby's theory suggests that infants have an innate drive to maintain proximity to their primary caregiver for survival and emotional well-being.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Attachment Behavioral System

An internal system that motivates infants to maintain proximity to a caregiver, like a thermostat regulating temperature.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Contact Comfort

The importance of physical touch and closeness in fostering infant-caregiver bonds (as demonstrated by Harlow).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Harlow's Monkey Experiment

Harlow's experiment showed that contact comfort is more important than feeding in the development of infant-caregiver bonds.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Strange Situation

A standardized laboratory procedure developed by Mary Ainsworth to observe and categorize infant attachment styles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Individual Differences in Attachment

Recognizing variations in how infants respond to separation and reunion, influencing their attachment styles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Separation Anxiety

Emotional distress experienced by an infant when separated from their primary caregiver.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Primary Caregiver

The person who provides the primary support, care, and protection to an infant.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evolutionary Function

The adaptive role of attachment behaviors in ensuring the survival of infants.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Immature defense mechanisms

Psychological strategies used by infants to cope with emotional distress that are considered less effective or adaptive.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Proximity

The closeness of an infant to their caregiver.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Adaptive Responses

Responses to separation that aid in the survival of an infant.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Explores their environment

When a child feels secure and explores their surroundings.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Attachment figure

The person or people to whom an infant feels a strong emotional bond.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Anxious-Resistant Attachment

A type of insecure attachment where children become distressed when separated from their caregivers and struggle to be comforted upon reunion, often exhibiting conflicting behaviors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Avoidant Attachment

A type of insecure attachment where children don't seem overly stressed by separation but actively avoid seeking contact with their caregivers upon reunion, possibly focusing on other objects.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sensitive Caregiving

Parents' responsive and attentive caregiving, meeting children's needs promptly and consistently.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Responsive Care

Parents' ability to understand and respond to their child's signals and emotions, providing support when needed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Longitudinal Study

A research method that tracks the same individuals over a long period of time to study development and change.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Experimental Study

A research method where researchers manipulate variables to test a hypothesis about cause and effect.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Intervention

A program or procedure designed to change behavior or improve outcomes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secure Attachment Outcomes

Positive effects of secure attachment on later development, including better peer relationships, academic success, and emotional well-being.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Insecure Attachment Outcomes

Negative effects of insecure attachment on later development, such as difficulties in social skills, academic performance, and emotional regulation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Attachment and Romantic Relationships

How early childhood attachment styles can influence the way adults form and maintain romantic bonds.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Multi-Generational Attachment

The idea that attachment patterns can potentially be passed down from one generation to the next.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secure Base

A person in a relationship who provides safety, support, and a sense of security, allowing the other person to explore the world.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unique Language in Relationships

A special way of communicating within a close relationship, often characterized by intimacy, understanding, and shared meaning.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Social Media and Attachment

The use of social media platforms to maintain and strengthen connections with loved ones, even when physically distant.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Attachment Functions of Social Media

How social media can serve the needs of attachment, like connecting with others during times of stress or seeking support.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Anxious Attachment & Social Media

People with anxious attachment styles tend to use social media more frequently to maintain feelings of closeness and security.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Avoidant Attachment & Social Media

Individuals with avoidant attachment styles tend to use social media less and limit their openness on these platforms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Attachment Transfer in Developing Relationships

As we mature, our primary attachment figures shift from parents to peers, friends, and partners.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hazan & Shaver's Attachment Styles

Three major attachment styles in adults: secure, avoidant, and anxious-resistant, mirroring Ainsworth's classifications in infancy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secure Attachment in Adulthood

Characterized by trust, comfort, and a healthy balance of dependence and independence in relationships.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Avoidant Attachment in Adulthood

Marked by difficulty with intimacy, emotional distance, and a preference for independence over close connection.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Anxious-Resistant Attachment in Adulthood

Characterized by anxiety about abandonment, intense needs for reassurance, and strong desires for closeness that can sometimes be overwhelming.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Attachment Patterns & Parental Relationships

Adult attachment styles are often influenced by the quality of the relationship with one's parents in childhood.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Attachment Patterns in Relationships

Attachment styles can influence how people select their partners and how they navigate their relationships.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Seeking 'Secure' Partners

People often seek partners who are kind, caring, trustworthy, and understanding, qualities associated with secure attachment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Attachment Compatibility in Relationships

The degree to which two individuals' attachment styles align and complement each other, impacting relationship dynamics.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secure Attachment and Relationships

People with secure attachment styles are more likely to be attracted to others with secure attachment, creating more fulfilling and lasting relationships.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secure Attachment and Support

Secure individuals are more likely to provide support to their partners when they are distressed, contributing to relationship stability.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Insecure Attachment and Relationship Breakups

Individuals with insecure attachment styles have a higher likelihood of experiencing relationship breakups than those with secure attachment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Early Experiences and Attachment

Early childhood experiences, particularly the quality of caregiving received, significantly influence the development of attachment styles in adulthood.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maternal Sensitivity and Secure Attachment

A mother's sensitivity and responsiveness to her child's needs during development predicts the child's security in adulthood.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Attachment Security and Social Competence

Secure attachment in infancy, as assessed by the Strange Situation, predicts social competence in childhood and adulthood.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Attachment Styles and Relationships

Attachment styles, shaped by early experiences, influence relationship dynamics, including attraction, communication, conflict resolution, and support.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Probabilistic, Not Deterministic

Though early experiences influence attachment, they don't determine a person's future. It's possible to develop secure attachments later in life through positive experiences with others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Corrective Experiences and Attachment

Individuals with insecure attachment styles can develop more secure relationships through positive and supportive experiences with family, friends, or partners.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Foundation for Subsequent Relationships

Early experiences are important because they provide the foundation upon which an individual builds relationships with others throughout their life.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Attachment Theory Overview

  • Attachment theory explains close emotional bonds between children and caregivers, impacting personality development.
  • Bowlby (1940s) developed the theory, observing infants' distress during separation, linking it to an evolutionary function.
  • Early theory suggested distress stemmed from immature defence mechanisms; Bowlby proposed an attachment behavioral system.
  • This system, like a thermostat, monitors a child's perceived proximity, accessibility, and attentiveness of their caregiver.

Harlow's Research on Contact Comfort

  • Harlow's monkey study (1958) showed infants prioritize comfort (contact) over food provision in bonding with a surrogate mother.
  • This supports the theory that emotional bonding is more complex than merely meeting basic needs.
  • The bond is rooted in "contact comfort" crucial to infant-caregiver bonds.

Individual Differences in Infant Attachment

  • Ainsworth's strange situation (1978) examined individual differences in infant-parent attachments via separation and reunion.
  • Key attachment patterns:
  • Secure: Upset by separation, easily comforted on reunion.
  • Anxious-resistant: Initially uneasy, highly distressed by separation, conflict in reunion.
  • Avoidant: Not consistently stressed by separation, avoid contact on reunion.
  • Ainsworth highlighted the importance of empirical demonstration of attachment's organization, and individual differences in patterns.

Antecedents of Attachment Patterns

  • Early caregiver responsiveness significantly impacts attachment development.
  • Sensitive caregiving, especially during uncertainty or stress, is critical.
  • Longitudinal and experimental studies have provided evidence supporting the role of sensitive caregiving.

Attachment Patterns and Child Outcomes

  • Secure attachment is associated with positive peer relationships, teacher evaluations, and perseverance in challenges.
  • Avoidant attachments linked to potential bullying tendencies or difficulty building/maintaining friendships.

Attachment in Adulthood

  • Hazan and Shaver (1987) proposed that adult romantic relationships mirror infant-caregiver attachment.
  • The attachment system's function is similar in both infant-caregiver and adult relationships.
  • Parallels include feelings of security when present, seeking comfort/support during distress, using the other as a secure base, and distinct communication.
  • Attachments shift from parental figures to peers/romantic partners in young adulthood.
  • Adult attachment styles in romantic pairings follow a similar distribution pattern to infant attachment styles: about 60% secure, 20% avoidant, and 20% anxious-resistant.

Research on Attachment in Adulthood

  • Secure attachment in childhood is linked to more secure romantic relationships.
  • Research suggests secure individuals are more likely to be attracted to secure partners, leading to more lasting and satisfying relationships.
  • Secure individuals report higher relationship satisfaction and provide support to their partners during distress.

Do Early Experiences Shape Adult Attachment?

  • Most research is retrospective on adult memories, suggesting secured adults describe more supportive, loving, and kind early experiences.
  • Longitudinal studies show prospective associations between child and adult attachment.
  • Attachment is considered probabilistic, not deterministic, meaning early experiences form a foundation; later experiences and corrective relationships reshape attachment.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Description

Explore the foundational concepts of attachment theory, including its origins by Bowlby and key studies like Harlow's monkey experiment. Understand how emotional bonds influence personality development and the significance of contact comfort. Learn about individual differences in infant attachment through Ainsworth's research.

More Like This

Unit 4: Harry Harlow and Contact Comfort
7 questions

Unit 4: Harry Harlow and Contact Comfort

RelaxedCherryTree avatar
RelaxedCherryTree
Attachment Theory Overview
40 questions

Attachment Theory Overview

SuaveQuartz avatar
SuaveQuartz
Attachment Theory Overview
32 questions

Attachment Theory Overview

RemarkableChicago avatar
RemarkableChicago
Attachment Theory and Harlow's Studies
13 questions

Attachment Theory and Harlow's Studies

IntelligentSun avatar
IntelligentSun
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser