Attachment: Attachment is a deep and enduring emotional bond that connects one person to another across time and space (Ainsworth, 1973; Bowlby, 1969) Learning theory (Dollard & Miller 1950): -attachment is a set of learned behaviours -the basis of learning attachment is the provision of food (a child will initially form an attachment to whoever feeds it) -they learn to associate the feeder with the comfort of being fed (classical conditioning) -they also learn that certain behaviour (crying etc.) will lead to certain consequences (operant conditioning)
Bowlby's attachment theory: (1969, 1988) -feeding is the not the basis for attachment -mothers who are available develop a sense of security to their child - this then creates a secure base for the child to explore the world -babies are born with behaviour such as crying, babbling and smiling etc. and adults are biologically programmed to respond to this -Bowlby argued that there are 4 stages of attachment (the first 3 are the most sensitive) 1)Pre-attachment phase (birth to 6 weeks) = baby's innate signals attract its carer (smiling, crying etc.) -infants encourage adults to remain close, as this comforts them -babies recognise their mothers smell, voice and face -no fear of strangers 2)Attachment in making (6 weeks to 6/8 months) -infants respond differently to familiar care giver than strangers -infant learns that their actions affect those around them -they begin to develop sense of trust -the infant doesn't protest when separated from mother 3) Clear cut attachment phase (6/8 months to 18months/2years) -attachment to familiar caregiver becomes evident -babies display separation anxiety -becoming upset when the adult leaves -if the caregiver is supportive anxiety can be short lived 4) Formation of reciprocal relationship (18 months - 2 years onwards) -toddlers able to predict the return of parents -child uses persuasion and negotiation with caregiver to change situations -child depends less on caregiver, but confident the caregiver is still there Types of attachment: Secure attachment = children with secure attachments showed minimal distress when their mother left them alone and sought comfort when their mother returned. Insecure- avoidant =a child with this type of insecure attachment tends to ignore the caregiver, sometimes almost completely Insecure-resistant =a child with Anxious-Resistant Insecure Attachment is anxious about exploring its surroundings, even when the mother is present. Strange situation http://www.simplypsychology.org/mary-ainsworth.html
Attachment in everyday life: The impact of different forms of day care of children's social development > http://aspsychologyblackpoolsixth.weebly.com/day-care.html How research into attachment and day care has influenced child care practices -child needs to have secure attachment with adult -child can have multiple attachments with a range of adults Campbell (2000)- structural characteristics of good care