...Bowlby’s Ethological Attachment Theory Rhonda Lawson Excelsior College Lifespan Developmental Psychology June 10, 2014 Bowlby’s Ethological Attachment Theory I) Abstract a) A natural inclination b) Strength and stability c) Theory of lifespan development II) Introduction a) Evolution and biology b) Critical periods c) Behavioral study on graylag geese d) Creation of attachment III) Bowlby’s perspectives a) Biological preparation b) Ethological theory c) Adaptive value d) Physical, social as well as cultural e) Lasting relationships IV) Application of Bowlby’s ethological attachment a) Survival b) Increases in cortisol levels and heart rates c) Psychotherapy d) Anxiety and avoidance with depression e) Development of a new attachment with a therapist f) Outcomes of a therapy process g) Diagnosis of the reactive attachment disorder V) Conclusion a) Begins at birth b) Develop attachments to primary caregivers c) Widespread acceptance d) Diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder VI) References Abstract Bowlby’s ethological attachment theory bases its argument on the premise that human individuals, just like animals have a tendency to have a natural inclination to establish and maintain lasting affectionate bonds (attachments) to the familiar and irreplaceable others. Bowlby further asserts that once the attachments are established, the strength, and stability of the...
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...In this essay I will explain Bowlby’s theory of attachment were Bowlby argues that a baby goes through a certain amount of stages to form an attachment with its primary caregiver and then multiple attachment. I will explain the stages throughout my essay. To begin, Bowlby argued that attachment is a type of mechanism that ensures the survival of the child. In other words, forming a bond with someone, often the child’s primary care giver is the most essential in order to survive. According to Bowlby which is why they strive to maintain close proximity to the significant adult. He argued that babies have abilities such as crying and smiling to encourage the primary care giver to look after them, and vice versa, the parents, particularly mothers, possess instincts designed to protect their child from harm. Bowlby presented his theory which comes under five sections, firstly being adaptive where babies have an attachment gene ensuring that the infant stays close to the caregiver for food and protein. As this is innate, the baby has social releasers (physical characteristics and behavioural characteristics) which are adaptive because a child’s behavioural characteristic helps the baby to survive. They are innate because survival of a baby’s life is naturally selected. Without any carte from the primary caregiver the baby will not be able to survive on its own. The second stage is Bowlby’s concept of monotropy, which the theory consists of a number of essential factors. Which he...
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...Temperament: behavioral styles that are fairly stable across situations and are biologically based Infant Temperament Thomas and Chess: Stella Chess and Alexander Thomas conducted pioneering longitudinal research on infant temperament. 3 patterns (based on parents reports) * easy babies (40%) adjust readily to new experiences, quickly established routines, and generally were cheerful in mood and easy to calm * difficult babies (10%) adjust to new experiences, likely to reac negatively and intensely to stimuli and events, and irregular in their bodily functions * slow-to-warm-up (15%) somewhat difficult at first but easier over time ***other infants don’t fit into these categories*** * Temperament is moderately stable through infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Stability of Temperament * Fearful preschoolers tend to be more inhibited as older children and adolescents * Inhibited more likely to be introverted adults Temperament and other aspects of development Various aspects of temperament related to: * School success * Peer interactions * Compliance with parents * Depression * Helping others * Environmental influences Temperament and Helping behavior * Young child’s temperament helps determine if a child will help * Behavioral inhibition in infancy characterized by the tendency to be particularly fearful and restrained when dealing with novel or stressful situations * Associated with problems such as...
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...the context of relevant developmental theory. Explain what is meant by the term sensitive mothering. Explain why sensitive mothering is important in building a positive emotional base. (15) - Give a definition of sensitive mothering (also consider insensitive mothering). - Link this to a positive or non-positive emotional base. Link this explanation to Bowlby’s attachment theory and Ainsworth’s studies. You will need to show an understanding of the internal working model of attachment and how sensitive mothering impacts on the quality of attachment. (25) - Outline Bowlby’s theory of attachment, showing evidence of how the ethological studies of Harlow and Lorenz, and his own research with war orphans and evacuees and juvenile delinquents impacted his theory. - Determine the phases of attachment and the development of the internal working model of attachment. - Consider Ainsworth’s research and the types of secure and insecure attachments that resulted from the research. - This needs to be linked back to mothering style and the internal working model of attachment that each infant is developing. Links also need to be made to Erikson’s relevant psychological stages of personality development, emphasising the importance of a supportive social environment. (15) - Consider Erikson’s psychosocial theory of personality, especially the first stage, and link to mothering style and the internal working model of attachment that each infant is developing. ...
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...Bowlby's Ethological Theory of Attachment Bowlby’s theory of attachment suggests that children come into the world biologically pre-programmed to form attachments with others, because this will help them to survive. He also believed that attachment behaviors are instinctive and will be activated by any conditions that seen to threaten the achievement of proximity, such as separation, insecurity and fear. (McLeod, 2007) He believed that infants are born with the need to attach to a caregiver. He suggested it is the child’s need for response and caring from the adults rather that of the feeding or changing. The baby and the immediate caregiver form a bond that is a basis for relationships as the child grows; it can either be secure or unsecure. Attachment develops in four phases: Preattachment phase (birth to 6 weeks), Attachment in the Making phase (6 weeks to 6-8 months), Clear Cut phase (6-8 months to 18 months), and Formation of a reciprocal relationship (18 months to 2 years and on). (Berk, 2014, p. 196) At the first stage between birth to 6 weeks, there is no formal attachment. The newborn does recoginize features and senses the mother, but also does not reject new caretakers. During the next few months of infancy, the baby becomes more self aware and can inititate a response from the caregiver. Bowlby called this a sense of trust. (Berk, p. 196) Even at this phase, the infant will not get upset when away from the caregiver. Between 8 months and 2 years the...
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...Bowlby's Attachment Theory John Bowlby (1907 - 1990) was a psychoanalyst (like Freud) and believed that mental health and behavioral problems could be attributed to early childhood. Bowlby’s evolutionary theory of attachment suggests that children come into the world biologically pre-programmed to form attachments with others, because this will help them to survive. Bowlby was very much influenced by ethological theory in general, but especially by Lorenz’s (1935) study of imprinting. Lorenz showed that attachment was innate (in young ducklings) and therefore has a survival value. Bowlby believed that attachment behaviors are instinctive and will be activated by any conditions that seem to threaten the achievement of proximity, such as separation, insecurity and fear. Bowlby (1969, 1988) also postulated that the fear of strangers represents an important survival mechanism, built in by nature. Babies are born with the tendency to display certain innate behaviors (called social releasers) which help ensure proximity and contact with the mother or mother figure (e.g. crying, smiling, crawling, etc.) – these are species-specific behaviors. During the evolution of the human species, it would have been the babies who stayed close to their mothers who would have survived to have children of their own and Bowlby hypothesized that both infants and mothers have evolved a biological need to stay in contact with each other. These attachment behaviors initially function...
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...The learning theory, firstly proposed by Dolland Miller (1950) argues that attachment is a form of nurture and so is learnt. Behaviourists came up with the idea that it is learnt either through classical or operant conditioning. The learning theory was introduced by behaviourists who base most of their explanation on the effects of nurturing. They proposed that all behaviour is learned rather than inborn and In terms of attachment, through either classical or operant conditioning. Psychologists have based their explanation of attachment on Pavlov’s experiments into classical conditioning. They argue that for infants the sensation of hunger and the need for food is an unconditioned stimulus and producing a sense of pleasure happens when the baby receives food. The baby then has an unconditioned response to receiving food. The person who produces the food becomes associated with the pleasure the baby feels. If that is repeated enough the baby then reacts in a similar way to the mother as it does to food, even in the absence of food. The baby then learns to become attached to the mother. Operant conditioning states that, any behaviour that produces a positive reinforcement such as food will be repeated. Behaviours that switch off something unpleasant are also likely to be repeated (negative reinforcement). This can be applied to attachment in the sense that a new-born baby will cry in response to feelings of discomfort, which come from being hungry or cold. The sound of a baby...
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...BIBLIOGRAPHY ENCLOSED: Yes I declare that this work is my own and the work of others is acknowledged by quotation or correct referencing. I declare that this work has not been copied from another student(s) past or present at this or any other educational institution, or from any other source such as the internet. Name: Date: 14th March 2014 Please type the assignment title below: |Sensitive mothering is essential to the social and emotional development of the child. Discuss this statement in the context of relevant developmental theory. | In this essay I am going to explain the concept of ‘sensitive mothering’ and how it is essential to the social and emotional development of each child. I will discuss this statement in the context of relevant developmental theory. I will discuss the concepts of ‘attachment theory’ encompassing ‘internal working model’ (Bowlbey, cited in Smith, Cowie, Blades, 2003, p98) and quality attachment of John Bowlby. I will also link this explanation to the studies of Mary Ainsworth. ‘Sensitive Mothering’ is defined by Ainsworth (1969) as the style of interaction between the primary caregiver, normally the mother or mother figure, and the baby. Sensitive mothering is when someone is consistently responsive both physically and emotionally to her child. This responsiveness provides the child with a ‘secure base’ (Ainsworth, 1969) thus encouraging them to explore the world. (MCI Module, undated). It involves being sensitive to the needs of the...
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...reference to Attachment Theory discuss the importance of early childhood to emotional development. With reference to Attachment Theory this topic will discuss the importance of early childhood to emotional development. This work will be more focused in the development of the emotion of fear, anxiety and security or insecurity. For that reason, Bowlby’s theory is going to be considered due to the fact what he is the first attachment theorist, describing attachment as a ‘lasting psychological connectedness between human beings’ (Bowlby, 1964,p. 194). Bowlby believed that the earliest bonds formed by children with their caregivers have a great impact than will go on later on. Moreover, Bowlby will deal in “Basic Postulates in Theories of Anxiety and Fear” where we can find also Freud’s point of view and other theorists where they try to explain the concepts of “anxiety” and “fear”. Later, we find Schaffer and Emerson whom did a studio with sixty babies to see the measure of anxiety they could experiment. No less important is when a child start to go to school. There is going to be a separation of the child from their family so as a result fears and anxiety can also be found in early ages. The main point of attachment theory is that mothers who take care and are responsible with their infants’ needs creates at the same time a base of security for the child. All these points will be discussed through the topic. Psychologist John Bowlby was the first attachment theorist who...
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...the clear-cut attachment phase, a toddler starts to become very familiar with their mother, or primary caregiver. This usually begins from the ages 18 months to two years of age. A child may cry as soon as the mother leaves the room. This is known as separation anxiety that may occur within this age level. Separation between the mother and child showed different behavior responses. Separation occurrences have increased within different behaviors. Infant-mother attachment is related to separation anxiety (Bowlby, 1960). Therefore, a child may cling way more to their familiar caregiver and start to fear new people or places. A child’s behavior depends more upon the child’s disposition and the present circumstances (Berk, 2014, p. 196)....
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...and studies have given me a broader picture of the concept of sensitive mothering, mother and child bonding and their impacts on the social and emotional development of a child. In this essay we will discuss sensitive mothering in relation to attachment theory of John Bowlby together with Ainsworth patterns of attachment. Also, link the concept with Erik Erikson psychodynamic theory and will look into researches on the impact of early attachments on social and emotional development over a life span. Sensitive mothering as explained (Ainsworth et al. (1971) in Meins et al. 2001) is mother’s sensitivity and her positive attitude towards a child. Sensitive mother is able to understand a child’s specific behaviour and respond to his/her needs on time in a proper manner. She is able to establish mother- child communication and can arouse child senses without obstructing child’s own interest and always puts her child first. Sensitive mothering allows emotional attachment, and enables mothers to read child’s emotions and respond to them accordingly. In contrast, in sensitive mother is the one who gives priority to her own schedule and her care is based on her own wish. Thus, she ignores the child’s needs and as a result unable to have an attachment to her child which leads to insecurity and unpredictability so the two of them are not emotionally connected. We typically assume sensitive mothering as a role of mother but it is a caring relationship that can be performed by any one not...
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...children to develop their ability. Instead of feeling anxious about the possibility of being abandoned, children feel secured enable them to start exploring their environment and becoming independent. The very first relationship is usually built between a baby and a primary caregiver, usually the mother or mother substitute. This relationship is of particular significance as it develops the attachment, which is vital as the foundation of developing subsequent relationship (MCI, undated). "The propensity to make strong emotional bonds to particular individuals [is] a basic component of human nature" (Bowlby, 1988, p3) Attachment is described as “an enduring bond” (MCI, undated) and further elaborated by the attachment theorist, John Bowlby. He famously stated “what is believed to be essential for mental health is that an infant and young child should experience a warm, intimate and continuous relationship with his mother (or permanent mother substitute – one person who steadily ‘mothers’ him) in which both find satisfaction and enjoyment” (Bowlby, 1953). Bowlby was very much influenced by ethological studies in general, especially by Harry Harlow’s research with monkeys and Konrad Lorenz’s study of imprinting (McLeod, 2007). Harlow’s...
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...Reactive Attachment Disorder in Children and Adolescents in Institutionalized and in Foster Care, and Adoptive Families Lisa W. Marshall Liberty University Abstract It is believed children exposed to early institutional rearing are at risk for developing psychopathology (McGoron, et. al., 2012). Comparisons were made to discover if Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) was more prevalent in children raised institutions, foster care or adoptive families. Measurements included the Observational Record of the Caregiving Environment, Strange Situation Procedure, Disturbances of Attachment Interview, and the Preschool Aged Psychiatric Assessment (Smyke, et. al. 2012), the Reynolds Adolescent Adjustment Screening Interview (Cone, et. al., 2009) in addition to the Reactive Affective Disorder Checklist (RAD-C) and the Relationships Problem Questionnaire (RPQ), in the diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder (Thrall, et al., 2009). These measurements were not only utilized to discover the existence of RAD, but to test the validity of the methods. Additionally, treatment studies including holding, narrative therapy, parenting skills training, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, psychodrama, and/or neurofeedback (Wimmer, et. al.,2009) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (Cone, et. al.,2009) are examined. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) lists Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) as a serious, directly linked...
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...Comprehensive Analysis Case Study Cheryl M. Todd PSY7220 Capella University Abstract This comprehensive case analysis will follow Gwen Cohen-Green through the following three stages of development: early childhood, middle childhood, and early adolescence. Within each of the three stages I will identify Gwen’s social and emotional development, theories pertaining to her development, validation, and predominate factors. A complete analysis and synthesis will support the findings, and recommendations will be given to support her. Table of Contents Introduction Case Study: Early Childhood Case Study: Middle Childhood Cased Study: Early Adolescence Analysis and Synthesis Recommendations Conclusion References 1 1-5 5-10 10-15 15-16 16-17 17 18-20 Comprehensive Analysis Case Study Introduction This study will identify the child I have chosen for my case study project and follow her through each of the following stages: early childhood, middle childhood and early adolescence. Secondly, the study will include an analysis and synthesis of developmental domains and of environmental and influential factors and finally, the study will make recommendations for optimal development. Early Childhood: Case Study Gwen Cohen-Green is an only child that lives with both her mom and dad in a suburban setting. Mom and dad both work long hours with mom being the primary parent to attend conferences as well as being the disciplinarian. Gwen’s parents are...
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... A Child’s World: How We Discover It There is one thing even more vital to science than intelligent methods; and that is,the sincere desire to find out the truth, whatever it may be. —Charles Sanders Peirce, Collected Papers, vol. 5 Did You Know . . . Basic Theoretical Issues Issue 1: Is Development Active or Reactive? Issue 2: Is Development Continuous or Discontinuous? Theoretical Perspectives * Theories are never “set in stone”; they are always open to change as a result of new findings? * Children shape their world as it shapes them? * Cross-cultural research enables us to determine which aspects of development are universal and which are culturally influenced? * An experiment is the most definitive way to demonstrate that one event causes another? * The results of laboratory experiments may be less applicable to real life than experiments carried out in a home, school, or public setting? These are just a few of the interesting and important topics we will cover in this chapter. Here, we present an overview both of major theories of human development and of research methods used to study it. In the first part of the chapter, we explore major issues and theoretical perspectives that underlie much research in child development. In the remainder of the chapter, we look at how researchers gather and assess information so that, as you read further in this book, you will be better able to judge whether research findings and conclu- Perspective...
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