A Level Psychology ATTACHMENT – PART 1
,ATTACHMENT TOPIC
Reciprocity and interactional synchrony Learning Theory
Stages of attachment Strange situation
Role of the father Cultural variation
Lorenz and geese Theory of maternal deprivation
Harlow and monkeys Romanian orphan studies
Bowlby’s monotropic theory Role of the internal working model
, A close two-way emotional bond between two
individuals, in which each sees the other as essen
their own emotional security.
Proximity: infants try to stay physically close to th
WHAT IS which they are attached.
ATTACHMENT? Separation distress: infants are distressed when a
attachment figure leaves their presence
Secure-base behaviour: even when infants are
independent of their attachment figures they tend
make regular contact with them; regularly return
playing and exploring.
, RECIPROCITY
Attachment develops by a reciprocal process which is two-way, where an emotional connection
develops between and infant and caregiver. Influences the child’s physical, neurological, cognitive and
psychological development. Becomes basis or basic trust or mistrust.
Example – caregiver reacts and responds to the signals given out by the baby, providing comfort and
empathy. Smiling back when the baby smiles. Picking them up when they cry. Negative reciprocal
processes will still contribute but not as advantageous.
Supporting evidence – Tronick – developed ‘still face’ experiment, mother faces her baby and is asked
to hold a still face in which she doesn’t react to the baby’s behaviours. In general, the baby will
become agitated by failed attempts to evoke a reaction. Therefore, demonstrates importance of
reciprocity for the child’s wellbeing.
,ATTACHMENT TOPIC
Reciprocity and interactional synchrony Learning Theory
Stages of attachment Strange situation
Role of the father Cultural variation
Lorenz and geese Theory of maternal deprivation
Harlow and monkeys Romanian orphan studies
Bowlby’s monotropic theory Role of the internal working model
, A close two-way emotional bond between two
individuals, in which each sees the other as essen
their own emotional security.
Proximity: infants try to stay physically close to th
WHAT IS which they are attached.
ATTACHMENT? Separation distress: infants are distressed when a
attachment figure leaves their presence
Secure-base behaviour: even when infants are
independent of their attachment figures they tend
make regular contact with them; regularly return
playing and exploring.
, RECIPROCITY
Attachment develops by a reciprocal process which is two-way, where an emotional connection
develops between and infant and caregiver. Influences the child’s physical, neurological, cognitive and
psychological development. Becomes basis or basic trust or mistrust.
Example – caregiver reacts and responds to the signals given out by the baby, providing comfort and
empathy. Smiling back when the baby smiles. Picking them up when they cry. Negative reciprocal
processes will still contribute but not as advantageous.
Supporting evidence – Tronick – developed ‘still face’ experiment, mother faces her baby and is asked
to hold a still face in which she doesn’t react to the baby’s behaviours. In general, the baby will
become agitated by failed attempts to evoke a reaction. Therefore, demonstrates importance of
reciprocity for the child’s wellbeing.
