Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, examines the importance of early caregiver-child bonds in shaping future emotional and social well-being. It outlines how secure and insecure attachment patterns, identified through the Strange Situation procedure, impact social competence and relationship dynamics across the lifespan. The theory also considers the intergenerational transmission of attachment styles and the role of temperament in attachment formation.
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Early relationships play a critical role in a child's development according to attachment theory
Attachment Bond
The attachment bond formed between a child and their primary caregiver is central to their future emotional and social well-being
Internal Working Model
The internal working model, shaped by interactions with caregivers, influences an individual's self-perception, expectations of others, and general worldview
Internal representations of early relationships guide an individual's approach to relationships throughout their lifespan
Mary Ainsworth's research identified distinct patterns of attachment: secure, avoidant, anxious/ambivalent, and disorganized
Characteristics
Secure attachment is characterized by a child's confidence in their caregiver's support, leading to better social competence and emotional regulation
Long-Term Effects
Empirical studies have shown that secure attachment in infancy and early childhood is associated with more favorable social outcomes in later stages of development
Types
Insecure attachment includes avoidant, anxious/ambivalent, and disorganized styles, often arising from inconsistent or neglectful caregiving
Consequences
Insecure attachment can result in difficulties in social relationships and emotional challenges
Attachment styles can be transmitted across generations, with a parent's own attachment history influencing their caregiving behaviors
Effects of Disruptions
Research on non-human primates and humans has shown that disruptions in early attachment can have long-term effects on parenting behaviors and the attachment styles of offspring
Attachment styles established in one generation can be inherited by the next, potentially affecting the quality and stability of adult romantic relationships
The temperament hypothesis suggests that a child's innate personality traits may also play a role in the formation of attachment bonds
Some children may be naturally predisposed to develop secure attachments due to more sociable and adaptable temperaments, while others may find it more challenging
The temperament hypothesis highlights the complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental influences in shaping attachment styles
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The theory that examines the importance of a child's initial relationships was created by ______ and expanded by ______.
John Bowlby
Mary Ainsworth
01
______ introduced the concept of the internal working model, which influences a person's self-view and interactions with others.
John Bowlby
02
Characteristics of secure attachment
Child shows confidence in caregiver's support, leading to better social skills and emotional control.
