Explain the term attachment as it is used in psychology. Explain how attachment reflects a dynamic interplay between infant and caregiver. Finally, distinguish the behavior of a securely attached infant from that of an avoidant or ambivalent infant in Ainsworth's "strange situation."

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Attachment is the emotional bond between child and caregiver. The way the caregiver responds to the child impacts the child's sense of trust and security. A child who responds positively to an attentive caregiver will support or strengthen a strong relationship, while a child who is resistant to the caregiver will weaken this relationship. The optimum scenario is for the child and the caregiver to develop a secure attachment that allows the child to explore the world and return to the caregiver to receive comfort and reassurance when they feel threatened. Ainsworth's "strange situation": (1) Secure: Securely attached infants have caregivers who are generally warm, responsive, and affectionate. Before the mother leaves the room, the children use her as a safe base, leaving her to explore the environment and returning periodically for security. They show distress when their caregiver leaves the room but calm quickly when the caregiver returns.
(2) Avoidant: Children with an avoidant attachment style do not seek closeness with the mother while she's there. They are not distressed when she leaves and may ignore her when she returns. Avoidant caregivers are those who typically don't spend much time with their children and show little physical affection for their child. (3) Ambivalent: Children with this pattern may have caregivers who are inconsistent in their levels of affection and security. These children may themselves behave inconsistently. They may be anxious before the mother even leaves, and when she returns, they may display contrasting behaviors, such as both hugging and hitting her.