W7: Emotional Regulation and Attachment Theory

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of attachment according to Ethological Attachment Theory?

Protection of the young (correct)

Facilitating social interactions among peers

Enhancing cognitive development

Supporting academic achievements

Which concept refers to the emotionally responsive behaviors of parents that align with a child's affective state?

Attachment behaviors

Co-regulation

Self-regulation

Affect attunement (correct)

What role does a caregiver play in the process of downregulation for a child?

Providing emotional support and modeling (correct)

Encouraging competitive behavior

Limiting social interactions

Enhancing the child's independence

In what developmental stage do children experience significant meltdowns due to their evolving capacities?

Toddlerhood Signup and view all the answers

The Internal Working Model (IWM) influences a child's expectations regarding which of the following?

Availability and responsiveness of the caregiver Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is NOT associated with attachment as a means of regulating distress?

Independently solving problems Signup and view all the answers

What does a secure base in attachment terms allow for in child development?

Exploration of the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the 'Indiscriminate Social Responsiveness' phase?

Smile at anyone Signup and view all the answers

In which attachment pattern does a child communicate distress but is not easily comforted?

Insecure/Anxious Ambivalent Signup and view all the answers

How does the attachment system function when a child is with their caregiver?

It is rarely activated. Signup and view all the answers

Which attachment pattern is characterized by the child being indifferent towards their caregiver?

Insecure/Avoidant Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the 'Goal-corrected partnership' phase of attachment?

Taking parent perspective into account Signup and view all the answers

What does IWM stand for in the context of attachment?

Internal Working Model Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'disorganized attachment pattern' imply about the relationship between caregiver and child?

Child experiences confusion and fear. Signup and view all the answers

What method is used to assess attachment in middle childhood?

Projective tests Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome for children with secure attachments?

Positive self-regard Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes insecure attachment's predictive quality in low-risk samples?

Does not necessarily predict psychopathology Signup and view all the answers

What approach is suggested to enhance parent-child emotional connection?

Attachment Themed Parenting Strategies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following attachment patterns reflects a paradoxical relationship where the caregiver is both a source of safety and fear?

Disorganized Signup and view all the answers

Why do toddlers experience more meltdowns?

New emotional capacities are beyond their emotional regulation abilities Signup and view all the answers

What does the Internal Working Model of a child refer to?

The child's expectations of their carer's responsiveness, the safety of their environment, and their representation of themselves based on their caregiver Signup and view all the answers

When do babies start to show a preference for their caregivers?

From 2 months old Signup and view all the answers

What are signs of True Attachment that develops at 7 months?

Separation Protest and Proximity Seeking Signup and view all the answers

What are the dimensions of caretaking that lead to different attachment outcomes as illustrated by Ainsworth and Bell?

Sensitivity, Acceptance, Cooperation, Accessibility Signup and view all the answers

Are attachment styles consistent across cultures?

No, Japanese and Israeli infants showed a higher degree of distress in the strange situation procedure. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emotional Regulation and Co-Regulation

Early caregiver interactions lay the foundation for emotional regulation.
Parents model emotional expression and help children regulate their emotions.
Co-regulation involves caregivers providing support and modeling appropriate responses to emotions.
As children develop, they transition from relying on co-regulation to self-regulation.

Attachment Theory

Attachment is a primary function for the protection of young.
Infants are biologically predisposed to form attachments.
Attachment behaviors regulate distress and maintain proximity to a caregiver.
Secure attachment provides a safe haven and a secure base for exploration.

Internal Working Model (IWM)

This mental representation influences how children perceive the environment and behave when stressed.
It is shaped by early attachment experiences and influences self-worth.

Phases of Attachment

Indiscriminate Social Responsiveness: (birth to 2-3 months) Infants smile at anyone.
Discriminating Social Responsiveness: (2-7 months) Infants show a preference for caregivers.
Active Proximity Seeking or True Attachment: (7 months to 3 years) Separation protest and proximity seeking behaviors emerge.
Goal-Corrected Partnership: (3+ years) Children consider the caregiver's perspective and have an internal representation of the relationship.

Patterns of Attachment

Secure: Children readily interact with their caregiver, communicate distress, and are easily comforted.
Insecure/Avoidant: Children minimize interaction with their caregiver, are not distressed by separation, and do not seek comfort.
Insecure/Anxious Ambivalent: Children communicate intense distress, are not easily comforted, and cling to their caregiver.

Disorganized Attachment (Pattern D)

Infants experience caregivers as frightening or frightened.
They show paradoxical behavior, seeking comfort from the caregiver while also fearing them.
IWM: may be damaged, leading to erratic and unpredictable behavior.

Assessing Attachment beyond Infancy

Projective tests, attachment narratives, and Adult Attachment Interviews are used to assess attachment patterns in older children and adults.

Impact of Attachment on Development

Secure attachment predicts better emotional regulation, social competence, and positive self-regard.
While insecure attachment can be a risk factor, it doesn't always lead to psychopathology, especially in low-risk samples.

Cross-Cultural Validity

The three basic attachment patterns are found across cultures, with a majority of children exhibiting secure attachment.
Cultural differences in parenting practices and separation experiences can influence attachment patterns.

Interventions

Attachment-based parenting interventions, such as Circle of Security, aim to help parents create a secure base and safe haven for their children.
Emotion coaching techniques focus on fostering emotional connection and helping children develop healthy emotional regulation skills.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts in emotional regulation and attachment theory, focusing on the early interactions between caregivers and children. It explores how these relationships influence a child's ability to manage emotions and form secure attachments. Test your understanding of important terms like co-regulation and internal working models.