Attachment theory, initially proposed by John Bowlby, posits that infants have an innate need to form attachments with caregivers, crucial for their survival. This theory has been scrutinized for potential Western bias, as research shows cultural differences in attachment styles. The Strange Situation procedure by Mary Ainsworth, used to assess attachment, may not fully capture non-Western attachment behaviors. Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg's meta-analysis further highlights the influence of cultural child-rearing practices on attachment patterns, revealing variations in attachment styles across different societies.
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Bowlby's theory suggests that infants have an innate tendency to form attachments with caregivers for survival
Bowlby's theory includes the concept of a primary attachment figure and internal working model, which have been influential in understanding early emotional bonds
Attachment theory has been criticized for its potential Western bias and lack of consideration for cultural diversity in attachment patterns
Ainsworth's Strange Situation procedure categorizes infant attachment styles as secure, insecure-avoidant, or insecure-resistant based on their behavior during separations and reunions with their caregiver
The applicability of the Strange Situation procedure across different cultures has been questioned due to cultural practices that may alter the manifestation of attachment behaviors
Research has revealed significant cultural differences in attachment styles, influenced by specific child-rearing practices
Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg's meta-analysis examined the distribution of attachment styles globally and found significant cultural variations
The meta-analysis confirmed that secure attachment is the most prevalent globally, but also found significant cultural differences in the prevalence of insecure-avoidant and insecure-resistant attachment
The study revealed that cultural contexts have a profound impact on the prevalence of different attachment styles, with collectivist societies showing higher rates of insecure-resistant attachment and individualistic Western societies associated with more insecure-avoidant attachment
The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive assessment tools to better understand attachment across diverse cultural contexts
Future research should incorporate cultural considerations to provide a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of attachment and its developmental consequences
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______ theory, developed by ______, posits that children are born with a natural inclination to seek connections with their ______ for their own ______.
Attachment
John Bowlby
caregivers
survival
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Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation - Purpose
Assesses infant attachment styles during separations/reunions with caregiver.
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Attachment Styles Identified by Strange Situation
Secure, Insecure-Avoidant, Insecure-Resistant.
