Attachment Theory

Definition of Attachment An enduring emotional tie to a special person, characterized by a tendency to seek and maintain closeness, especially during times of stress.

Roots of Attachment Theory John Bowlby applied ethology to infants Influenced by Konrad Lorenz Infant’s innate behaviors are evolved responses which promote survival

Importance of Attachment Implications for infant's sense of security Affects internal working model Freud, Erikson, Behaviorists described its impact on development

Bowlby’s Four Stages of Attachment Preattachment phase Birth - 6 weeks Baby’s innate signals attract caregiver Caregivers remain close by when the baby responds positively

Attachment in the Making 6 wks to 6-8 months Develops a sense of trust that caregiver will respond when signaled Infants respond more positively to familiar caregiver Babies don't protest when separated from parent

Clear-cut Attachment 6-8 months to 18-24 months Babies display separation anxiety Babies protest when parent leaves

Formation of Reciprocal Relationship 18 mo - 2yrs Toddlers increase their understanding of symbols and language improves Toddlers understand that parents will return

Factors which Affect Attachment Opportunity for attachment Quality of caregiving respond promptly and consistently interactional synchrony – the sensitively tuned “emotional dance” Infant characteristics infant's temperament, special needs, prematurity, or illnesses

More Factors which Affect Attachment Family circumstances Stress can undermine attachment Parents’ internal working models Parents’ own attachment experiences Parents’ ability to accept their past

Measuring the Quality of Attachment Mary Ainsworth researched Designed the “strange situation” A lab experiment with 8 different episodes of separation and reunion Attached infant will: Use mother as a secure base Be soothed by the mother during the reunion

Secure attachment Uses caregiver as a secure base May show distress at separation, but the baby can be soothed at reunion 60-65% of North American children

Insecure-Avoidant Attachment Unresponsive to parent when she is present Not distressed by parting Avoids or slow to greet parent on return 20% of North American children

Insecure-Resistant Attachment Infants remain close to parents and not eager to explore Distressed by separation During reunion, infants are both clingy and resistant 12% of North American children

Disorganized/Disoriented Attachment No coherent strategy for handling separations or reunions Baby looks dazed and confused 5-10% of North American children