Social Reward and Attachment Systems

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason adults respond emotionally to the appearance of infants?

Infants produce high-pitched sounds.

Social bonding is primarily instinct-based.

The caregiving system is neurobiologically rewarding. (correct)

Infants have higher energy levels.

Which unique behavior distinguishes human males from other primate males in terms of caregiving?

They care for both strangers and infants. (correct)

They provide care exclusively to their offspring.

They bond with multiple partners simultaneously.

They use coercive strategies to protect infants.

What aspect of human sexuality does NOT belong to the identified three aspects?

Socioeconomic status (correct)

Gender identity

Sociosexual orientation

Sexual orientation

Which behavioral strategy can be classified as a prosocial strategy?

Sharing resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the dominance system in social groups?

To enable individuals to compete for resources. Signup and view all the answers

How do rewards influence the fear system according to the content?

Rewards can help deactivate the fear system. Signup and view all the answers

What psychological need does relatedness primarily address?

The need for security. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the impact of excessive fear and anxiety on individuals?

It can be destructive to health and well-being. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a likely outcome of poor self-regulation?

Development of physical and mental health conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What role do caregiving bonds play in attachment between parents and infants?

They enhance emotional connections through rewarding experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What primary form of reward was demonstrated to be more beneficial for primate infants than food?

Social touch Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological theorist emphasized sex as the most important human reward?

Sigmund Freud Signup and view all the answers

What is a basic psychological need supported by the exploration system?

Competence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary emotion experienced when the exploration system is active?

Curiosity Signup and view all the answers

How does the attachment system influence an infant's relationship with caregivers?

It motivates infants to seek closeness and care. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of novelty in relation to rewards?

It is a primary reward linked to exploration. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of attachment, what does selective affiliation refer to?

Forming bonds with caregivers that may not pre-exist. Signup and view all the answers

What term is often used to refer to all types of social bonds, though with a specific focus on safety-related bonds?

Attachment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Behavioral systems are organized around rewards and threats to achieve adaptive goals.
Early psychological theories (Skinner, Pavlov) primarily focused on food as a reward.
Freud theorized sex as the primary reward, but this is not scientifically supported.
Harlow's experiments demonstrated contact comfort as a more powerful reward for primate infants than food, challenging Freud's theories and highlighting the attachment system.

Attachment and Caregiving Systems

Contact with caregivers provides infants with comfort and security, motivating them to stay close.
Attachment (affiliation) promotes exploration and brain development.
Novelty and exploration are primary rewards.
The attachment system is also called affiliation, and it promotes safety.
Special social bonds are formed between caregivers and infants; a selective affiliation.
The term "attachment" specifically refers to security-oriented bonds.
Caregivers' response to infants is rewarded through the caregiving system, which has neurobiological basis.
Infants' appearance is rewarding to adults, fostering empathy and care.
Caregiving extends beyond infants to strangers and adults.
Human males show unique caring tendencies amongst primates.
Caregiving bonds form as a result of the reward of caring for another.

The sexual system drives sexual behavior and is rewarding.
Sexuality encompasses gender identity, sexual orientation, and sociosexual orientation.
Sexual bonds allow for collaboration and offspring care.
Prairie voles show quick and strong bonding after mating.

Dominance System and Competition

The dominance system evolved for resource competition (food, mates, etc.)
Prosocial (cooperative) and coercive (aggressive) strategies are used in competition to attain status.
Individuals often combine both types of competition to succeed.
Dominance continues across the lifespan.
The relationship between dominance and bonding requires more research; though some may suggest dominance bonds may exists.

Fear, Reward, and Relatedness

Fear activates the BIS, and reward systems help regulate this.
Relationships promote security and reduce fear, leading to exploration and growth.
Relatedness is a basic psychological need for optimal well-being.
Emotional regulation is vital to persisting in tasks and achieving goals.
Self-regulation is important for preventing many physical and mental health issues.

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Description

Explore the intricate dynamics of social reward systems and attachment theories in this quiz. Delve into early psychological perspectives, including those of Skinner and Freud, as well as Harlow's groundbreaking findings on comfort and security. Test your understanding of how these systems influence caregiving and infant development.