Development In Childhood And Adolescence 2021-2022 Lectures 1-10 Attachment theory - early life experiences strongly influence later adult functioning & vulnerability to psychopathology - John Bowlby. Secure attachment: ? +ve internal working models: ? o Child's self-view is +ve. o Self in relation to others. o Social competence, esp. peers. Emotion regulation ability: o Expression & recognition skills. o Avoiding anxiety; dealing with stress. Practical consequences: ? Separation during childhood: o Hospital care of children. o Parental divorce. o Bereavement. ? Lack of early secure attachment: O Adult relationships. o Psychological health. Stages in attachment development: 1. 0-2 months = PRE-ATTACHMENT. 2. 2-7 months = ATTACHMENT-IN-THE-MAKING. 3. 7-24 months = CLEAR-CUT ATTACHMENT. 4. 24 months + = GOAL-CORRECTED PARTNERSHIP. Stranger anxiety ~ 10 months. Separation distress ~ 12 months. Pre-attachment is evidence of trans-natal auditory learning. Flavours go from placental fluid so they have a preference for flavours. As soon as mum's voice comes on, their sucking response becomes greater - they can recognise mum's voice and distinguish it from others'. Babies can mirror expression - they're pre-wired to mirror emotional expression. Their fave play thing is people. Feeding interaction: - When mother jiggles (bottom) during pauses in the newborn's suckling, it t the probability of sucking and prolongs the feeding session. ..
Route for a child to become an autonomous being: Mutual responsiveness Attachment grows Exploration grows Autonomy grows Helpless infant Infant develops trust Infant more attached Responsive mother Mother more attached Infant explores Mother becomes secure base Develops autonomy, self-concept Encourages exploration, sets limits Ethology: ? Key maternal qualities: o Food. o Warmth. o Contact. o Rocking. - In Harlow & Harlow's expt., most important was assumed to be food but monkers always chose comfort. Attachments in young children: 1. Are selective. 2. Involve physical proximity seeking. 3. Provide comfort & security. 4. Produce separation distress. Types of attachment: Attachment type: Secure Notes: Insecure (avoidant) Insecure (resistant) Child stays close to mum. Upset by mum leaving. Greets +vely on return. Avoids contact with mum on reunion. Ok when left with stranger. V upset by mum leaving. On return difficult to console. Both seeks comfort and resists. Primary Carer's Behaviour Towards Child T Child's 'Working Model' of Itself Positive & Loved + Secure Angry & Confused Unloved & Rejected + Avoidant Resistant
Continuity of attachment style into adulthood: Attachment style: Secure Avoidant Ambivalent/resistant Changes to attachment status: Distress when mother leaves. Greets mum on return. Doesn't seek mum on return. Focuses on environment. V upset at departure. Explores v little. Resulting adult characteristics: Comfortable in relationships. Able to seek support from partner. Greater sense of autonomy. Tend to cut themselves off emotionally from partner. Fears rejection from partner. Strong desire to maintain closeness. - Infant attachment initiates pathways of development e.g. peer relationships. - Attachments to others. Sex - a person's biological status i.e. M/F. Gender - learned/cultural/experiences status i.e. masculine/feminine. Determination of gender: - Prenatal hormones - most important = prenatal hormones testosterone. development of male or female