PSY 393 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Dazed, Mary Ainsworth, Attachment Theory
Document Summary
Developed attachment theory based on freud, harlow, and spitz. Led to understanding of the importance of parent-child interactions in development. Based on transference: applying old patterns of behavior/emotion to new relationhsips. Innate fear of being alone: programmed to form attachments with their primary caregivers. Humans evolved a strong fear of being alone (especially in dark, scary places or when sick, tired) Babies coo/smile to express attachment vs. distressed when deprived of close contact. Important in considering relationships (infant-mom) what we learn from this first attachment influences our relationships as adults. Children are biologically predisposed to develop attachments with caregivers as a means of increasing changes of their own survival. Secure base: attachment figure"s presence that provides infant/toddler with a sense of security that makes it possible for infant to explore environment. Primary attachment with caregivers that teaches a child 2 things: whether attachment figures are reliable, belief whether self is someone able to receive love/care.
