Developmental Psychology: Attachment Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is attachment?

An emotional bond with a specific person that is enduring across space and time, usually between infants and caregivers.

What is attachment theory?

Theory based on Bowlby's work that posits that children are biologically predisposed to develop attachments to caregivers as a means of increasing the chances of their own survival.

What does the term secure base refer to?

The idea that the presence of a trusted caregiver provides an infant or toddler with a sense of security that makes it possible for the child to explore the environment.

What is the internal working model of attachment?

The child's mental representation of the self, of attachment figures, and of relationships in general that is constructed as a result of experiences with caregivers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the strange situation?

A procedure developed by Mary Ainsworth to assess infants' attachment to their primary caregiver. Signup and view all the answers

What is secure attachment?

A pattern of attachment in which infants or young children have a high-quality, relatively unambivalent relationship with their attachment figure. Signup and view all the answers

What indicates secure attachment in the strange situation?

The infant becomes upset when the caregiver leaves but may be happy to see the caregiver return, recovering quickly from any distress. Signup and view all the answers

What is insecure attachment?

A pattern of attachment in which infants or young children have a less positive attachment to their caregiver than do securely attached children. Signup and view all the answers

What is insecure/resistant (or ambivalent) attachment?

A type of insecure attachment in which infants or young children are clingy and stay close to their caregiver rather than exploring their environment. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes insecure/resistant attachment in the strange situation?

Infants tend to get very upset when the caregiver leaves and are not easily comforted when the caregiver returns. Signup and view all the answers

What is insecure/avoidant attachment?

A type of insecure attachment in which infants or young children seem somewhat indifferent toward their caregiver and may even avoid the caregiver. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes insecure/avoidant attachment in a secure situation?

Infants seem indifferent toward their caregiver before the caregiver leaves and are indifferent when the caregiver returns. Signup and view all the answers

What is disorganized/disoriented attachment?

A type of insecure attachment in which infants or young children have no consistent way of coping with the stress of the strange situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is parental sensitivity?

An important factor contributing to the security of an infant's attachment, exhibited by responsive caregiving when an infant is distressed and engaging in coordinated play. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Attachment

An emotional bond enduring across space and time, primarily between infants and caregivers.

Attachment Theory

Developed from Bowlby's work; suggests children are biologically inclined to form attachments to enhance survival chances.

Secure Base

A trusted caregiver's presence offers infants a sense of security, empowering them to explore their environment.

Internal Working Model of Attachment

A child's mental representation shaped by experiences with caregivers, encompassing self, attachment figures, and relationships.

Strange Situation

A method created by Mary Ainsworth to evaluate infants' attachment to their primary caregiver through observational procedures.

Secure Attachment

Characterized by high-quality, unambivalent relationships between infants or young children and their attachment figures.

Secure Attachment in Strange Situation

Infants show distress during caregiver absence but display happiness upon their return and use caregivers as secure bases for exploration.

Insecure Attachment

Represents a less positive bond compared to secure attachment, indicating a range of emotional responses to caregivers.

Insecure/Resistant (Ambivalent) Attachment

Infants exhibit clinginess, preferring to remain close to caregivers over exploring their environment, leading to dependency.

Insecure/Resistant Attachment in Strange Situation

Infants are highly upset when left alone; upon caregiver return, they are difficult to soothe, showing ambivalence between seeking and resisting comfort.

Insecure/Avoidant Attachment

Infants display indifference or avoidance towards caregivers, showing a lack of strong emotional connection.

Insecure/Avoidant Attachment in Secure Situation

Infants appear indifferent before separation and upon reunion, responding similarly to both caregiver and stranger when distressed.

Disorganized/Disoriented Attachment

Infants lack a consistent coping style during the strange situation, exhibiting confused or contradictory behavior.

Parental Sensitivity

Crucial for infant attachment security; includes responsive caregiving during distress and engaging in coordinated play to foster connection.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts in developmental psychology related to attachment. This quiz covers definitions and theories that explain the emotional bonds between infants and their caregivers. Perfect for students or anyone interested in psychological development.