Lecture on Attachment Theory

Introduction

• Humans are inherently social creatures.
• Strong relationships are vital for security and comfort, especially in childhood.
• Attachment Theory: Describes how infants form relationships with caregivers.
• Early experiences can shape future significant relationships.

Stages of Infant Attachment

• Pre-Attachment Stage (Birth - 2 months):
  • Initially believed infants couldn't distinguish between strangers and parents.
  • Recent research suggests infants recognize parents.
• Attachment-in-the-Making (2 - 6 months):
  • Infants recognize caregivers but are comfortable around strangers.
• Clear-Cut Attachment (6 months - 2 years):
  • Infants develop separation anxiety.
• Formation of Reciprocal Relationships (Around 2 years):
  • Infants understand caregivers have schedules; separation anxiety decreases.

Styles of Attachment (Ainsworth's Strange Situation)

• Secure Attachment:
  • Infants are comfortable exploring but seek comfort from parents when upset.
• Resistant Attachment:
  • Infants are clingy and become extremely upset without caregivers.
• Avoidant Attachment:
  • Infants are indifferent to the presence of caregivers or strangers.
• Disorganized Attachment:
  • Associated with behavioral issues; infants show mixed emotions.

Dimensions of Attachment

• Proximity-Seeking vs. Avoidant:
  • Desire to be near caregivers.
• Angry and Resistant Strategies:
  • Reaction to caregiver’s absence.

Factors Influencing Attachment

• Strong influence from parenting style and caregiver accessibility.
• External factors: illness, neglect, abuse, poverty.
• Secure attachment often results from nurturing caregivers.

Long-term Impact of Attachment

• Secure attachment predicts better self-regulation in preschool.
• Insecure attachment linked to behavioral problems, mood disorders.
• Rare cases may lead to reactive attachment disorder.

Adult Attachment

• Continuous from infancy to adulthood, influenced by life events.
• Surveys like the Adult Attachment Scale measure trust and intimacy.
• Secure adult attachment associated with relationship happiness.

Research Findings

• Modest correlation between childhood and adult attachment.
• Life events can change attachment styles.
• Secure partners can help improve insecure attachment.

Conclusion

• Attachment theory provides insights but isn't definitive.
• Individual experiences and circumstances play a role in development.

Closing Remarks

• Attachment theory is useful for clinical settings but should be seen as part of a broader understanding of human relationships.