Definitions
Attachment
An emotional bond between a caregiver and a child that influences behavior.
Attachment Styles
Patterns of behavior in relationships, categorized as secure, avoidant, or ambivalent.
Secure Base Hypothesis
The idea that a caregiver provides safety for a child to explore their environment.
Separation Distress
Anxiety caused by separation from an attachment figure.
Key Studies
Harlow (1958)
Aim: To examine the role of comfort in attachment.
Method: Experimental study with rhesus monkeys.
Procedure: Infant monkeys were placed with two surrogate mothers: one wire mother with food and one cloth mother without. Time spent with each was measured.
Results: Monkeys spent more time with the cloth mother, even when she provided no food.
Conclusion: Contact comfort is more critical for attachment than fulfilling basic needs.
Ainsworth (1970-1978)
Aim: To explore individual differences in attachment.
Method: Observational study using the Strange Situation Paradigm.
Procedure: Infants experienced separations and reunions with caregivers while researchers observed their reactions.
Results: Identified three attachment styles: secure (70%), avoidant (20%), and ambivalent (10%).
Conclusion: Attachment behaviors vary across children but are influenced by caregiver interactions.
Key Concepts
- Types of Attachment:
- Secure Attachment: Balanced exploration and comfort-seeking.
- Insecure Attachment: Avoidant or ambivalent behaviors.
- Biological Basis:
- Rooted in imprinting and contact comfort, seen in both animals and humans.
- Long-Term Impacts:
- Early attachment influences future relationships and emotional regulation.
Critical Thinking
- Harlow's work highlights critical biological mechanisms but raises ethical concerns.
- Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg (1988) found variations in attachment across cultures, emphasizing sociocultural influences.
- Emphasizing secure attachment in parenting programs can enhance emotional resilience in children.
