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The development of attachment (Evaluation (Unreliable data, Biased sample,…
The development of attachment
Key terms
Multiple attachment - having more than one attachment figure
Primary attachment figure - the person who has formed the closest bond with a child, demonstrated by the intensity of the relationship. This is usually a child's biological mother, but other people can fulfill the role - an adoptive mother, a father, grandmother and so on. Throughout this chapter when we say 'mother' we are referring to the person who fulfills the role primary attachment figure.
Separation attachment - the distress shown by an infant when separated from his/her caregiver. This is not necessarily the child's biological mother.
Stranger anxiety - the distress shown by an infant when approached or picked up by someone who is unfamiliar
Stages of attachment
Stage 1: discriminate attachment
about two months
produce similar reaction to inanimate and living organisms
Reciprocity and international synchrony play a role in establishing the infant's relationships with others
Stage 2: the beginnings of attachment
about four months
like human company more than inanimate objects
Do not yet show anxiety
Stage 3: discriminate attachment
seven months
have formed their primary attachment figure
they have separation anxiety
Stage 4: multiple attachments
developed multiple attachments when their primary attachment is formed
Within one month usually 29% of children will have made a secondary attachment
Evaluation
Unreliable data
Biased sample
Are multiple attachments equivalent?
Cultural variations
Stage theories
The Role of the Father
Primary attachment figures
Fathers were less likely to be primary attachment figures than mothers.
Most men are just not psychologically equipped to form an intense attachment because they lacked the emotional sensitivity that women offer
Cultural expectations these continue to be stereotypes that affect male behaviour, such as it thought of as rather feminine to be sensitive to the needs of others
Men can form secure primary attachments with their children
Secondary attachments
Fathers have an important part to play as an secondary attachment figure
Fathers are more playful, physically active and generally at better at providing challenging situations for their children
Lack of sensitivity from fathers can be seen as positive because it fosters problem-solving by making greater communicative an cognitive demands on children