This lesson introduces attachment theory, its central claims, and the historical ideas that shaped it. Understanding the framework helps explain why early relationships matter while also clarifying what the theory does—and does not—claim.
Attachment theory is a psychological and evolutionary framework for understanding close relationships, especially the bonds between infants and their primary caregivers. Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby proposed that infants are biologically prepared to seek protection from caregivers. In infancy, safety and survival are essential; psychologically, a reliable relationship can support security and social-emotional development.
All flashcards
What is attachment theory?
A psychological and evolutionary framework for understanding close relationships, especially how early caregiver bonds relate to safety and development.
What is an attachment figure?
A person a child turns to for safety, comfort, and support, particularly when distressed.
What does a secure base allow a child to do?
Explore while knowing that an available caregiver can provide comfort and reassurance.
What were John Bowlby’s and Mary Ainsworth’s contributions to attachment theory?
Bowlby developed the theory; Ainsworth expanded it through research on caregiver sensitivity and infant-caregiver interactions.
Why should attachment theory not be used to blame one caregiver for a child’s development?
Development reflects many influences, and the theory does not claim that one relationship determines a child’s entire future.
Quiz questions
What does the Strange Situation Procedure observe?Answer: Infant-caregiver behaviour during exploration, separation, and reunion in a structured setting.
What can an infant’s crying or lack of crying during separation establish by itself?Answer: It cannot establish the quality or strength of the attachment bond.
How is reactive attachment disorder (RAD) distinct from disorganized attachment?Answer: RAD is a clinical diagnosis; disorganized attachment is an observational classification of behaviour.
If caregiver sensitivity and infant attachment classifications are correlated, what can researchers conclude from that correlation alone?Answer: The variables are associated, but the correlation alone does not show that sensitivity caused the classification.
How should adult attachment styles be related to infant attachment patterns?Answer: They are broad conceptual correspondences, not direct equivalents or diagnoses.
Based on the Wikipedia article Attachment theory, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.