Attachment Theory.ppt

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 infants 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 dont 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 infants 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 s