The development of attachment -A-Level Psychology
Multiple attachments-attachment to two or more people.Once babies establish a true attachment to a main carer they then form multiple attachments.
Primary attachment figure-the person who has formed the closest bond with a child.
Separation anxiety-the distress shown by an infant when separated from their caregiver.
Stranger anxiety-the distress shown by an infant when approached by someone unfamiliar.
Schaffer’s stages of attachment:
-Schaffer and Emerson aimed to investigate how early attachments form( at what age they developed,emotional intensity,and with whom).
METHOD
-60 babies(31 male,29 female)
-all from Glasgow
-from skilled working class families
The babies were visited at home every month for the first year,and then again at 18 months.The researchers asked the mothers questions about the babies reactions to everyday separations.This allowed them to measure the infant’s attachment.Stranger anxiety was also measured.The mothers were asked to describe the intensity of protests which were rated on a 4 point scale,and to whom the protest was directed.
FINDINGS
-At 25 and 32 weeks of age ,50% of infants displayed specific attachment and experienced separation anxiety towards a particular adult.
-attachment formed with the most interactive caregiver who was able to show reciprocity.
-At 40 weeks,80% of infants had specific attachment and 30% displayed multiple attachments.
-29% of children formed secondary attachments within a month from forming the primary attachment.By the age of one,multiple attachments had formed.
Stages of attachment:
1)Asocial stage–the baby recognises and forms bonds with its carers.The baby’s behaviour towards non-human and human objects is similar.Babies prefer familiar adults that find it easier to calm them.Babies are also happier in the presence of other humans.(first few weeks)
2)Indiscriminate attachment–Between 2-7 months babies display more observable social behaviour.They prefer people over objects,and can recognise familiar adults.Babies usually accept cuddles/comfort from most adults.They don’t usually display separation anxiety or stranger anxiety.
3)Specific attachment–Most babies display separation anxiety and stranger anxiety.Specific attachment has formed and this adult is called the primary attachment figure.This may not be the person who spends most time with the infant but the one who offers the most interaction and is able to respond to the babies signals appropriately.
4)Multiple attachments-Once attachment has been established with one adult,they usually extend this attachment behaviour to multiple attachments with familiar adults(secondary attachments).
Evaluation:
Good external validity-Schaffer and Emerson’s study was conducted in the families’ own homes and most observations except from stranger anxiety were reported by parents.This means that the behaviour of the babies wasn’t affected by the presence of observers,meaning that the behaviour was natural.
Longitudinal design-the same children were followed up and observed regularly,causing better internal validity than cross-sectional designs as confounding variables e.g participant variables aren’t present.
Limited sample characteristics-all families in the study were from the same area and social class over 50 years ago which is a limitation.The results don’t generalize well with other social and historical contexts.It was a biased sample and parental care of children has changed significantly.
Unreliable data-as the data was based on the mothers reports of their infants,some mothers may have been less sensitive to their infants protests so were less likely to report them.This created a systematic bias which challenges the validity of results.
Schaffers’s stages of attachment don’t consider that in some cultures (collectivist cultures)multiple attachments may come first and these stages of attachment become a standard by which families are judged and then may be classed as abnormal.
Attachment refers to the emotional bond that forms between a child and their primary caregiver(s), typically their mother or father. This bond is critical to a child’s social and emotional development and helps to shape their future relationships.
Attachment development begins in infancy, typically within the first few months of life.
The key theories of attachment development include John Bowlby’s attachment theory, Mary Ainsworth’s strange situation experiment, and Harry Harlow’s monkey studies.
John Bowlby’s attachment theory proposes that infants have an innate drive to seek proximity and contact with their primary caregiver(s) as a means of survival. This attachment bond serves as a secure base from which children can explore their environment.
The strange situation experiment is a laboratory procedure designed by Mary Ainsworth to assess attachment styles in children. The procedure involves a child being separated from their caregiver and then reunited, and the child’s behavior during these times is observed.
Harry Harlow’s monkey studies found that infant monkeys preferred a soft and comforting cloth mother over a wire mother that provided food. This suggested that the emotional bond between infant and caregiver is more important than just the provision of basic needs.
The different attachment styles include secure attachment, anxious-ambivalent attachment, avoidant attachment, and disorganized attachment.
Attachment can influence later relationships by shaping individuals’ expectations and behaviors in close relationships. Those with secure attachment styles tend to have healthier relationships, while those with insecure attachment styles may struggle with intimacy and trust.
Yes, attachment styles can change over time as a result of new experiences and relationships. Therapy can also help individuals develop more secure attachment styles.
Understanding attachment can be useful in everyday life by providing insights into how our early experiences shape our current relationships and behaviors. It can also help us to be more empathetic and understanding of others’ experiences.
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