A-Level Psychology Attachment Revision

Overview

• Focuses on A-Level content for the AQA(A) Psychology exam.
• Key areas include assessment objectives, caregiver-infant interactions, stages of attachment, and the role of the father.

Assessment Objectives (AO)

• AO1 (Outline): Describe theories and concepts.
• AO2 (Apply): Apply knowledge to scenarios.
• AO3 (Evaluate): Evaluate evidence and draw conclusions.

Caregiver-Infant Interactions

Reciprocity (AO1)

• Mutual responsiveness between infant and caregiver.
• Example: Smiling triggers smiles in both.
• Influences physical, social, and cognitive development.

Interactional Synchrony (AO1)

• Synchronized interaction reflecting mirroring of actions and emotions.
• Important for language, social, and emotional development.
• Linked to quality of attachment.

Stages of Attachment by Schaffer and Emerson

• Pre-attachment (birth-2 months): Asocial phase.
• Indiscriminate Attachment (2-7 months): Enjoys human company, no stranger or separation anxiety.
• Specific Attachment (7-9 months): Strong preference for one attachment figure, shows separation and stranger anxiety.
• Multiple Attachments (10+ months): Forms secondary attachments.

Key Study: Schaffer and Emerson (1964)

• Longitudinal study of 60 babies.
• Found attachment forms with responsive caregivers.

Role of the Father

• Fathers often adopt a play-mate role.
• Cultural and individual factors influence the father's role.
• Research suggests responsiveness is key, not gender.

Animal Studies of Attachment

Harlow's Study

• Monkeys preferred cloth mother over wire mother with food.
• Suggested contact comfort is critical for attachment.
• Ethical concerns due to emotional harm to monkeys.

Lorenz's Imprinting Theory

• Imprinting during a critical period post-hatching.
• Imprinting is innate and affects future relationships.

Explanations of Attachment

Learning Theory

• Attachment is learned through classical and operant conditioning.
• Challenges from research showing attachment forms to responsive caregivers, not just those who feed.

Bowlby's Attachment Theory

• Attachment is innate and adaptive, forming during a sensitive period.
• Monotropy: One primary attachment figure.
• Internal Working Model: Template for future relationships.

Strange Situation

• Developed by Ainsworth to categorize attachment types: secure, insecure-avoidant, and insecure-resistant.
• Secure attachment linked to better social and emotional outcomes.
• Criticized for cultural bias and ecological validity.

Cultural Variations in Attachment

• Van Ijzendoorn & Kroonenberg (1988) meta-analysis: Secure attachment most common globally.
• Cultural differences in attachment styles due to child-rearing practices.

Bowlby's Maternal Deprivation Hypothesis

• Importance of a primary attachment figure.
• Lack of attachment leads to long-term developmental issues.
• Supported by studies like the 44 Thieves Study.

Effects of Institutionalization

Rutter's Study

• Romanian orphans showed developmental delays but improved if adopted early.
• Importance of early attachment formation.

Influence of Early Attachment on Later Relationships

Childhood and Adult Relationships

• Early attachment type influences future social and romantic relationships.
• Hazan & Shaver's Love Quiz supports continuity between early attachment and adult relationships.

These notes summarize key concepts and studies on attachment in developmental psychology, focusing on caregiver-infant interactions, attachment theories, and the implications of early attachment experiences on later life.