Caregiver-Infant Interactions in Psychology
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Questions and Answers

What is the aim of research into caregiver infant interactions?

To understand how social interactions between caregivers and infants contribute to the development of attachment.

What type of methodology is used in research into caregiver infant interactions?

  • Quantitative
  • Experimental
  • Qualitative
  • Observational (correct)

    • According to Brazelton, reciprocity between caregiver and infant can be described as a dance.

    True

    Which of these does Meltzoff and Moore's research on interactional synchrony suggest?

    <p>All of the above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Isabella et al. (1989) find to be the correlation between interactional synchrony and attachment?

    <p>Greater synchrony correlated with stronger attachments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a strength of research into caregiver-infant interactions?

    <p>Limited ecological validity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Koepke et al. (1983) successfully replicated Meltzoff and Moore's findings on interactional synchrony.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two possible reasons for the discrepancies found in research into interactional synchrony?

    <p>Methodological inconsistencies and cultural bias.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the applications of research into caregiver infant interactions?

    <p>Developing interventions aimed at improving parent-infant relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a debate surrounding caregiver-infant interactions?

    <p>Evolutionary Theory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the role of cultural bias in research on interactional synchrony.

    <p>Interactional synchrony may not be universal across cultures, as levels of physical interaction and responsiveness vary significantly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of caregiver sensitivity in the development of secure attachment?

    <p>Caregiver sensitivity is crucial for the development of a secure attachment, as caregivers who are more sensitive to their infant's signals and needs are more likely to foster a strong and secure emotional bond.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between separation and deprivation in Bowlby's theory?

    <p>Separation is a temporary absence of the caregiver, while deprivation is a prolonged or permanent absence of the caregiver without a suitable replacement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the 'critical period' in Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation?

    <p>It represents a window of time, usually up to 2.5 years, during which deprivation can have irreversible consequences on a child's development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a key feature of Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation?

    <p>Attachment Theory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Bowlby's 44 Thieves study aim to investigate?

    <p>The link between maternal deprivation and affectionless psychopathy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The findings of Goldfarb's research on children raised in institutions support Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation by demonstrating the significant impact of institutional care on intellectual development.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these studies contradicts Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation?

    <p>All of the above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two practical applications of Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation?

    <p>Increased parental visitation in hospitals and promoting early adoption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these challenges to Bowlby's deprivation theory are not directly related to the concept of 'determinism'?

    <p>Overemphasis on the mother's role.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two ethical concerns raised by Bowlby's theory?

    <p>The theory risks stigmatising mothers who are not able to provide full-time care and may overlook the potential contributions of fathers and other caregivers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the Romanian Orphan Studies?

    <p>These studies highlight the detrimental effects of extreme deprivation experienced by children in institutional settings, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and placement in nurturing environments for optimal development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Romanian Orphan Studies strongly support the concept of a critical period for attachment.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key finding of the Romanian Orphan Studies concerning the timing of adoption?

    <p>All of the above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two significant practical applications of the Romanian Orphan Studies?

    <p>Prioritization of early adoption and introduction of key workers in orphanages to provide consistent emotional care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Romanian Orphan Studies indicate that children adopted before 6 months are more susceptible to long-term social and emotional difficulties as adults.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the concept of the 'internal working model' (IWM) in Bowlby's theory.

    <p>The IWM is a cognitive framework that develops through interactions with the primary caregiver, shaping expectations about future relationships and influencing the way individuals behave in relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the 'continuity hypothesis' in Bowlby's theory?

    <p>It proposes that the quality of early attachment experiences influences the development of later relationships, including friendships, romantic relationships, and parenting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a strength of Bowlby's theory?

    <p>Reductionism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hazan and Shaver's 'love quiz' research supports Bowlby's continuity hypothesis.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a limitation of Bowlby's theory?

    <p>Provides a comprehensive understanding of attachment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the IWM influence adult romantic relationships?

    <p>The IWM shapes expectations about love, trust, and intimacy, influencing the way individuals approach relationships and their tendency to seek or avoid closeness, dependency, and commitment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary aim of attachment-based therapies?

    <p>All of the above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two examples of how the research on attachment has informed parenting interventions?

    <p>Attachment-based therapies and programmes that encourage sensitive and responsive parenting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main limitations of research on the long-term impact of early attachment experiences?

    <p>All of the above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ainsworth's Strange Situation is a highly structured and replicable observational method for assessing the quality of attachment between infants and their caregivers.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a key behavior observed in Ainsworth's Strange Situation?

    <p>Temperament assessment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ainsworth identified four main attachment types based on her research using the Strange Situation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the characteristics of a secure attachment in infants, as observed in Ainsworth's Strange Situation.

    <p>Securely attached infants explore the room freely, use their caregiver as a secure base, show moderate distress upon separation, and are easily comforted upon reunion with their caregiver.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the key characteristics of an insecure-avoidant attachment?

    <p>Infants with insecure-avoidant attachment show little distress upon separation from their caregiver and avoid seeking comfort upon reunion, often appearing indifferent or aloof.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of an insecure-resistant attachment?

    <p>Infants with an insecure-resistant attachment exhibit high levels of distress upon separation from their caregiver and seek comfort upon reunion but also resist being comforted by their caregiver.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main characteristics of disorganised attachment?

    <p>Disorganised attachment is characterized by inconsistent and often contradictory behaviour, including behaviours such as freezing, rocking, and showing fear or apprehension towards their caregiver.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the Strange Situation, developed by Ainsworth?

    <p>To assess the quality of attachment between infants and their primary caregivers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ainsworth's Strange Situation is considered a highly reliable and valid measure of attachment.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two limitations of the Strange Situation?

    <p>Cultural bias and low ecological validity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two examples of how the Strange Situation research has impacted real-world applications?

    <p>Changes in hospital practices to allow for more frequent parental visits and the development of parenting interventions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of conducting cross-cultural research on attachment?

    <p>Cross-cultural research on attachment aims to determine whether attachment behaviors are universal or culturally specific, examining the influence of cultural practices on the development and expression of attachment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary method used in the meta-analysis conducted by Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg to assess attachment patterns across cultures?

    <p>Observational studies using the Strange Situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The meta-analysis by Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg revealed a higher rate of secure attachment in collectivist cultures compared to individualistic cultures.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of insecure attachment is often observed in collectivist cultures, as seen in studies like Takahashi (1986) on Japanese infants?

    <p>Insecure-resistant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two ways that cross-cultural research on attachment has informed real-world applications?

    <p>Development of culturally sensitive childcare practices and prevention of misdiagnosing culturally normative attachment styles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation is considered to be completely deterministic, suggesting that early deprivation leads to irreversible consequences.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two strengths of Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation?

    <p>Empirical support from studies like Goldfarb’s and Skeels and Dye’s, and practical applications in childcare policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two limitations of Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation?

    <p>Methodological issues in Bowlby's 44 Thieves study and the overemphasis on the mother's role.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two significant applications of the research on maternal deprivation?

    <p>Changing childcare policies to prioritize fostering and promoting research into the effects of deprivation on later development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Secure attachment patterns in infancy are strongly associated with positive outcomes in childhood and adulthood, including better social competence, academic success, and overall well-being.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Caregiver-Infant Interactions in Humans: Reciprocity and Interactional Synchrony

    • Research into caregiver-infant interactions looks at how social interactions between caregivers and infants contribute to the development of attachment.
    • Researchers like Brazelton (1975) and Meltzoff and Moore (1977) used controlled observational methods to study reciprocity and interactional synchrony.
    • Reciprocity is a two-way interaction where both caregiver and infant respond to and influence each other.
    • Meltzoff and Moore found that infants as young as two weeks old mirrored facial expressions.
    • Interactional synchrony is where caregiver and infant mirror each other's actions or emotions in a coordinated way.
    • Isabella et al. (1989) found greater synchrony correlated with stronger attachments.

    ###Supporting and Contradictory Studies

    • Feldman and Eidelman (2007) found that mothers notice and respond to approximately two-thirds of an infant's alert phases(crucial for reciprocity).
    • Condon and Sander (1974) showed interactional synchrony from birth.
    • Koepke et al. (1983), failed to replicate Meltzoff and Moore's findings, questioning the validity of those findings..

    Evaluation of the Studies

    • Strengths:
      • High inter-rater reliability of filmed observations.
      • Ethical methods protect infants.
      • Findings support Bowlby's theories.
    • Limitations:
      • Difficulty in interpreting infant behaviour (movements may be random).
      • Cultural bias (interactional synchrony may not be universal).
      • Limited ecological validity (lab settings may not reflect real life interactions).

    Application

    • Findings inform interventions to improve parent-infant relationships(e.g., parenting programmes for postpartum depression).
    • Findings help caregivers in orphanages enhance the likelihood of secure attachments, reducing long-term developmental issues.

    Evaluation of Theories

    • Interactional synchrony and reciprocity align with Bowlby's evolutionary perspective, suggesting these are biologically pre-programmed for survival.
    • Contradictions with learning theory, as the findings emphasize emotional responsiveness over feeding.

    Critical Thinking and Wider Issues

    • Nature vs Nurture: Interaction between innate predispositions and environmental factors shapes attachment.
    • Reductionism: Categorization may be too simplistic and overlook complexity of attachment.
    • Ethics and Culture: Collectivist cultures may challenge the universality of the stages.
    • Paradigm Influence: Reflects interactionist approach, integrating biological instincts with learned behaviour.

    Stages of Attachment Identified by Schaffer, Including Multiple Attachments

    • Schaffer and Emerson (1964) investigated the development of attachment and stages of attachment in 60 infants from Glasgow.
    • They identified four stages of attachment: asocial, indiscriminate, specific, and multiple attachments.
    • Asocial stage (0-6 weeks) : infants show similar responses to people and objects.
    • Indiscriminate attachment (6-7 months) : infants prefer people to objects but accept comfort from any adult.
    • Specific attachment (7-12 months) : infants form a strong attachment to a person, showing separation and stranger anxiety.
    • Multiple attachments (12+ months) : infants develop secondary attachments to other caregivers, family, or friends.

    Supporting and Contradictory Studies on Attachment

    • Van Ijzendoorn (1993): Found cultural differences in the development of attachment, with collectivist cultures promoting earlier multiple attachments than individualistic cultures.
    • Tronick et al. (Efe tribe): supports the idea of a universal sequence of attachment in communal care.
    • Bowbly's Monotropic Theory (single attachment figure) is contrasted with Schaffer and Emerson's findings of multiple attachments.
    • The study's longitudinal design allowed for the observation of genuine developmental changes but interviews with mothers may introduce social desirability bias.

    Evaluation of Schaffer and Emerson's Study

    • Strengths:
      • High ecological validity, which enhances the realism of the observed behaviours.
      • Practical applications, as findings informed childcare practices.
    • Limitations:
      • Difficulty interpreting infant behaviours in the asocial stage.
      • Cultural bias, as the study was conducted in one specific culture.
      • Limited control over extraneous variables (limitations in interpreting findings).

    The Role of The Father

    • Historically, fathers were primarily seen as economic providers.
    • Modern research highlights their role in emotional, social, and cognitive development.
    • Fathers can act as both primary and secondary attachment figures.
    • Fathers typically engage in playful and stimulating interactions, fostering exploration and risk-taking.

    Supporting and Contradictory Studies on the Role of the Father

    • Grossman et al. (2002): found that the quality of a father's play was related to adolescent emotional development and attachments.
    • Field (1978): observed fathers as primary caregivers and found that they adopted behaviours similar to mothers.
    • MacCallum and Golombok (2004), found that children raised in single-mother or same-sex households did not have significant differences compared to those with fathers.

    Evaluation of The Role of the Father

    • Strengths:
      • Flexible parenting roles, challenging traditional gender norms.
    • Limitations:
      • Inconsistent findings on the father's role, with different studies emphasizing different aspects.
      • Cultural bias, as research is often conducted in Western societies.
      • Reductionism in focusing on specific father roles while overlooking the broader influences on child development.

    Animal Studies of Attachment: Lorenz and Harlow

    • Lorenz (1935): Studied imprinting in geese, suggesting an innate attachment mechanism.
    • Harlow (1958): Investigated attachment in rhesus monkeys, demonstrating that comfort is more important than food in forming attachments.

    Supporting and Contradictory Studies on Animal Attachment

    • Guiton (1966): Studied imprinting in chicks, confirming the critical period for imprinting.
    • Schaffer and Emerson (1964): Suggests attachment in human infants is based on responsiveness rather than feeding.

    Evaluation of the Animal Studies

    • Strengths:

      • Significant theoretical contribution, challenging learning theory and informing understanding of emotional security.
      • Practical applications in animal welfare and institutional care practices.
      • Relatively controlled methodologies when compared to human studies.

    • Limitations:

      • Species differences make generalising findings to humans problematic.
      • Ethical concerns associated with causing distress in animals.
      • Reductionist views that ignore the influence of environmental and social factors.

    Learning Theory of Attachment

    • This theory suggests infants form attachments primarily through conditioning in response to feeding.
    • Classical conditioning: associate caregiver (neutral stimulus) with pleasurable feelings (unconditional response), to produce a learned response.
    • Operant conditioning: when an infant cries to reduce discomfort, feeding resolves the discomfort - this reinforces the behaviour (negative reinforcement)
    • Drive reduction theory: hunger is a primary drive, and attachment is a secondary drive, learned through association with food.

    Supporting and Contradictory Studies on Learning Theory of Attachment

    • Skinner's research on operant conditioning in animals.
    • Dollard and Miller (1950): estimated feeding frequency to support the theory.
    • Harlow (1958) and Schaffer and Emerson (1964) findings contradict this theory.

    Evaluation of Learning Theory

    • Strengths:

      • Early contribution to attachment research.
      • Offers testable predictions applicable to parenting strategies.
      • Scientific credibility from behaviourist research.

    • Limitations:

      • Overemphasis on feeding, overlooking the role of emotional responsiveness.
      • Reductionist view of complex attachment behaviours.

    Bowlby's Monotropic Theory of Attachment

    • Bowlby's monotropic theory suggests attachment behaviours are biologically pre-programmed to ensure an infant's survival.
    • Monotropy: Infants form a primary attachment to one special person, which is typically the mother.
    • Critical period: Attachment is strongest during a critical period (up to 2.5 years).
    • Internal working model: Infants develop a mental representation of relationships based on early experiences that shapes their expectations of future relationships.
    • Social releasers: Infants are born with behaviours like crying and smiling to activate caregiving.

    Supporting and Contradictory Studies on Bowlby's Theory

    • Lorenz (1952): Demonstrated imprinting in geese, supporting the role of innate attachment mechanisms.
    • Harlow (1958): Demonstrated that emotional comfort was more important than food in forming attachments, challenging the cupboard love theory.
    • Rutter et al.: (Romanian Orphanage studies) highlight that recovery from early deprivation is possible, questioning Bowlby's concept of a critical period.

    Evaluation of Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

    • Strengths:
      • Important theoretical contribution, challenging learning theory.
      • Influence on childcare practices (e.g., emphasis on parental presence and consistent care).
    • Limitations:
      • Overemphasis on the mother as the primary attachment figure (criticised for potential gender bias).
      • Reductionist focus on the mother-infant dyad (overlooks other important influences).
      • Critics argue that the theory is deterministic (presuming attachment patterns are irreversible).

    Ainsworth's Strange Situation and Types of Attachment

    • Ainsworth's Strange Situation (1978) aims to investigate attachment styles by observing infant responses to separation from and reunion with their parent, and interaction with a stranger
    • Secure attachment: infants use the caregiver as a secure base, showing moderate stranger and separation anxiety, and are easily comforted upon reunion.
    • Insecure-avoidant attachment: infants show little distress upon separation, avoid the caregiver upon reunion, and show little stranger anxiety
    • Insecure-resistant attachment: infants display high levels of stranger and separation anxiety, and show resistance or ambivalence upon reunion.
    • Disorganized/disoriented attachment: infants display contradictory and unusual behaviours, often associated with neglect or trauma.

    Evaluation of the Strange Situation

    • Strengths:
      • Standardised procedure, enhancing reliability and comparability across studies.
      • Predictive validity, as attachment types in infancy are associated with later social and emotional development.
      • High inter-rater reliability.
    • Limitations:
      • Cultural bias, as the procedure was developed in the US and may not be equally applicable in other cultures.
      • Low ecological validity, as lab setting can influence behaviour.
      • Ethical concerns, raising questions about the level of acceptable distress to inflict upon the infants.

    Cultural Variations in Attachment

    • Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg's (1988) meta-analysis of 32 studies found variations in attachment types across eight countries, despite universal patterns.
    • Significant variations within cultures were greater than variations between cultures.
    • Individualistic cultures (e.g., Germany) show higher rates of insecure-avoidant attachment (reflecting culturally valued independence).
    • Collectivist cultures (e.g., Japan) displayed a higher rate of insecure-resistant attachment (reflecting a greater emphasis on close caregiver proximity).

    Romanian Orphan Studies and the Effects of Institutionalisation

    • Studies by Rutter et al. (1998, 2007, 2011) and Zeanah et al.(2005) assessed the long-term impact of institutions on children.
    • Early adoption significantly improved developmental outcomes (lower IQ and disinhibited attachments in children adopted after 6 months), compared to those adopted earlier.
    • Later adoption still showed difficulties in emotional and social development (e.g., lower IQ and disinhibited attachments), but the effects tended to be less severe compared to those adopted earlier.

    The Influence of Early Attachment on Later Relationships

    • Bowlby's internal working model (IWM) suggests that early attachment experiences form a cognitive framework for understanding relationships, shaping expectations of trust, intimacy, and security.
    • Hazan and Shaver (1987) : investigated how attachment in early life effects later romantic relationships, and found that secure relationships were linked to happy and trusting relationships, while insecure-avoidant and insecure-resistant relationships were linked to mistrust and difficulty in close relationships.
    • Kerns(1994): secure attachment predicted strong, stable friendships, while insecure attachment was linked to difficulty in maintaining friendships

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    Description

    This quiz explores the dynamics of caregiver-infant interactions, focusing on concepts like reciprocity and interactional synchrony. You'll delve into key studies by researchers such as Brazelton and Meltzoff that shed light on how these interactions foster attachment and emotional development in infants.

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