Key Points from Attachment and Infant-Caregiver Interactions Lecture

Introduction

• The summarized video is a quick revision tool for attachment theories and infant-caregiver interactions.
• Additional resources: Psych Boost App for AEV psychology, available on iOS and Android.
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Caregiver-Infant Interactions

Attachment in Humans

• Attachment: Emotional bond between infant and caregiver, providing security.
• Reciprocity: Mutual interaction like a conversation, each responding to the other's cues.
• Interactional Synchrony: Coordinated rhythmic behavior between infant and caregiver.
• Imitation: Infants mimic caregiver's expressions.
• Sensitive Responsiveness: Caregiver accurately interprets and responds to infant signals.

Key Studies

• Meto and Mo: Infants mimic facial gestures such as sticking tongues out.
• Condon and Sander (1974): Documented interactional synchrony through video analysis.

Methodologies

• Use of multiple observers and complex cameras for high internal validity.
• Research limitations due to assumptions about infant mental states.

Stages of Attachment (Shaffer)

Stages

1. Asocial Stage (0-6 weeks): Babies show innate behaviors for proximity.
2. Indiscriminate Attachment (6 weeks-7 months): Distinguish familiar from unfamiliar but no strong preferences.
3. Specific Attachment (7-9 months): Strong attachment to primary caregiver, onset of separation and stranger anxiety.
4. Multiple Attachments (9-10 months): Attachments with other caregivers besides mother.

Key Findings

• Shaffer and Emerson (1964): Longitudinal study on attachment stages.
• Results: Development of attachments in stages, varying quality affects strength.

Role of Fathers

• Attachment with Fathers: Significant roles as caregivers, encouraging active play.
• Primary Caregiver Role: Fathers adapt to be more sensitive; shown by Field (1978).
• Social Sensitivity: Concerns on equal roles in parenting.

Animal Studies of Attachment

Key Studies

• Lorenz's Geese: Imprinting and critical period findings.
• Harlow's Monkeys (1958): Contact comfort over food, ethical concerns noted.

Theoretical Explanations

Learning Theory

• Dollard and Miller (1950): Attachment as learned behavior through conditioning.

Bowlby's Monotropic Theory

• Innate Drive: Infants have a biological drive to form a primary attachment.
• Critical Period: First 30 months for forming attachments.
• Internal Working Model: Schema for future relationships.

Ainsworth's Strange Situation

• Attachment Types:
  • Insecure Avoidant (Type A): Low anxiety, less attachment to caregiver.
  • Secure (Type B): Uses caregiver as a secure base, moderate stranger anxiety.
  • Insecure Resistant (Type C): Clingy, high anxiety levels.
• Cultural Variations: Differences noted in attachment styles across cultures.

Maternal Deprivation Theory (Bowlby)

• Consequences: Delinquency, affectionless psychopathy, low IQ.
• 44 Thieves Study: Correlation between deprivation and social/emotional issues.

Orphan Studies

• Romanian Orphan Studies: Effects of institutionalization on development.
• Findings: Delays in emotional and intellectual development seen.

Influence of Early Attachment

• Internal Working Model: Early attachment influences adult relationships.
• Hazan and Shaver's Love Quiz: Correlation between child and adult attachment.

Conclusion

• Early attachment styles have profound implications on later life and relationships.
• Continuous research and observation are essential for understanding attachment.