...Discuss the influence of childhood on relationships. According to Shaver (1988), three behavioural systems developed during early childhood – attachment, caregiving and sexuality – form the basis of romantic love in adulthood. The concept of attachment is derived from Bowlby’s (1969) theory. Bowlby claimed that relationships tend to be a continuation of the attachment style expressed in infancy (secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-resistant) due to the internal working model of relationships that infants acquire from their caregiver(s). A child’s experience of attachment to a caregiver informs expectations of future relationships, including romantic ones. The caregiving and sexuality systems are also tied to attachment figures. “Caregiving” involves an individual’s knowledge of how to care for others, as learnt from the behaviour of the primary attachment figure in childhood. “Sexuality” also relates to attachment types. For example, individuals who experienced an insecure-avoidant attachment to their primary caregiver are more likely to pursue sex without love. Fraley (1998) conducted a meta-analysis of studies into the relationship between childhood caregiver attachment and adult romantic attachment to collect sufficient evidence for the claim. Fraley found relatively weak correlations (ranging from .10 to .50). One reason for the weakness of the correlations may be that attachment type changes over time rather than remaining the same post-infancy, as is often assumed. Significant...
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... Is it a given that the quality of nurturing of the caregiver plays the biggest role in the social and temperamental well being of the child? Yes and no. Infants are born with predetermined characteristics within them. How a caregiver reacts to the infants needs, will certainly be a factor in the child’s well being as they grow. Caregivers, usually mothers, which is the prototype, are the ones who form the first attachment to an infant. How we help the infant grow on these attachments will set the stage for his/her social well being. Attachment relationships should provide a foundation for social learning. Infants of depressed mothers are at risk. They show depressed social behavior, not only with their mothers but also when interacting with strangers. (Steinberg, Vandell, Bornstein. Development: Infancy through Adolescence p153) Researchers have found that attachment patterns established early in life can lead to a number of outcomes. Children who had a healthy and secure attachment during infancy will have a stronger self esteem. The will be less dependent and do better in school with higher grades. Their relationships with other people will be stronger. They are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. There are plenty of factors that will affect the social/emotional behaviors of a child: the relationship of parents, the poverty level in which the child is born, and the positive nurturing...
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...from early relationships during these years has a huge impact on their interaction with others during adulthood. Attachment is an emotional bond that is from one person to another, the attachment theory is a psychological theory that focuses on relationships between the caregiving and child. An infant will have to develop a relationship with a caregiver in order for them to develop socially and emotionally. Infants need to possess the social, emotional, and intellectual skills to achieve and flourish in this society. From the time that an infant is born, the people around him or her influence the child’s way of thinking towards any given relationship and this could lead to a healthy adult relationship; that is infant attachment. The attachment theory was presented by John Bowlby; he defined attachment as “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings”. Bowlby began studying the distress levels of an infant when they are separated from their mothers, and these findings opposed the behavior theory of attachment. The behavior theory of attachment indicated that a child becomes attached to the mother because she fed the infant, but when Bowlby observed the infants being fed by strangers they did not indicated any distress or anxiety (Mcleod, 2009). That’s when he came to the conclusion that attachment could be influenced by environmental circumstances, and the earliest bonds formed between caregiver and infant improves the child’s chance of survival. Attachment is ongoing...
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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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...Impact of poor attachment on personal development Attachment theory offers an understanding of personality development and behaviour in close relationships and provides an account of the difference in people’s emotional and relationship styles. It relates to how resilient children will become later in life when facing life stressors. In its earliest form, attachment theory concentrated on the dynamics and quality of relationships between children and their parents, but it has since been expanded to cover the lifespan. The clear result seems that early parent-child relationship, and the degree of successful attachment, mediates and influences the course of a person’s development. (Howe, 1995) This essay is based on theories and concepts put forward by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, the two most important people who have influenced the theory of attachment. In this essay I will look at the impact poor attachment has on a person’s development and the reason for choosing to explore this topic, is having developed a keen interest around the influence of poor attachment with my father and the impact it has had on my life in terms of loving, trusting and sexual relationships. Pearce (2009) states that attachment is a term that can be used to describe the dependency relationship a child develops between them and their primary care-givers and progresses throughout the years of their lives. We are not born with attachment but “this special relationship emerges over time and through...
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...Child Abuse and Its Effects on the Child’s Ability to Form Attachments The moment that a child is conceived begins a lifelong journey of attachment. Studies have shown that embryos begin bonding in the womb when they feel movement, hear voices, and through the stimulation of smell and taste. This attachment with a caregiver grows even stronger when the child is born and as they move into childhood develops further into other relationships. The intensity associated with the importance of this development is best described by Perry (2001), “The most important property of humankind is the capacity to form and maintain relationships. These relationships are absolutely necessary for any of us to survive, learn, work, love and procreate” (p. 1). That is, as long as the proper environment and development is exposed to the child. Exposure to constant distress or inflicted abuse and/or neglect to a child can result in reactive attachment disorder, along with many other socioemotional problems and disorders. This will affect all relationships, as well as their ability to accomplish goals and lead a directed, goal-oriented life. When and if others intervene within the abusive situation, will determine how the child will deal with an attachment disorder. If intervention does not occur, attachment disorders associated with abuse and/or neglect can lead to violence in children and adults. There are ways to help children cope with this disorder, but it will become a struggle they will have...
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...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. Consider research that determines how early attachment impacts on the social and emotional development of three to five year olds and adults. (20) - Look at research undertaken with 3-5 year olds and how early attachment impacts social interactions, and also the adult attachment...
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...people who are or have been important to them) have affected their development?’ Abstract John Bowlby’s theory of attachment asserts that in childhood attachments are formed between the infant and the caregiver. It also asserts that these attachments form the basis of adult relationships. This qualitative thematic analysis of an interview with Chloe attempts to show how early attachments form a framework of later development. This study shows some support for Bowlby’s theory of the continuity of attachment behaviour but also shows that the nature of attachments can change throughout life in particular due to adult relationships and life experience. Introduction The field of developmental psychology is concerned with understanding how our mental outlook can change over the course of a lifetime. It considers both the effects of cultural and environmental factors and the internal motivations of the individual. One of the main area of research is understanding the degree of continuity in how behaviour is formed and to what degree it can be influenced by past experience. In the area of human relationships, Attachment theory (as cited in Wood et al., 2007) explores how relationships develop. Bowlby (as cited in Wood et al., 2007) proposed that we have a basic biological drive to form an attachment to a ‘mother figure’ at birth. The nature of the attachment gives rise to a ‘internal working model’ in the mind of the child that has three components, a model of the self, the...
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...CHAPTER 11: The Development of Social Relationships 4/16/14 1. How did Bowlby and Ainsworth characterize affectional bonds, attachments, and internal working models? Bowlby and Ainsworth distinguished between an affectional bond and an attachment, which involves feelings of security and having a safe base. An attachment is deduced from the existence of attachment behaviors. Once established, an attachment relationship becomes the basis of an internal working model that the child applies to future interactions with the attachment figure and with others. 2. What factors influence the parent’s bond to the child? For parents to form a strong bond to their infant, what is most crucial is not immediate contact at birth but the development and repetition of mutually reinforcing and interlocking attachment behaviors. 3. How does the child’s attachment to the parent change across infancy, early childhood, and middle childhood? Beginning around 6 months of age, which signals the presence of a clear attachment. Attachment behaviors become less visible during the preschool years, except when the child is stressed. School-aged children exhibit less safe behaviors than infants and preschoolers do, but extended separations can still be stressful. 4. What are the characteristics of parent-child relationships in adolescence? The child’s basic attachment to the parents remains strong in adolescence, despite an increase in parent-child conflict, the greater independence of the teenager...
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...psychology. It centers around the influence of inherited genes and environmental factors on the human development. Nature is those things inherited such as eye color, hair color, certain diseases, etc. Nurture is all the environmental influences after conception which influences development such as carcinogens, language, behaviors, etc. Some philosophers believe most of our characteristics and behaviors are as a result of inherited genes. Those who believe in extreme hereditary influences are known as Nativist. However, others believe the mind is born as a blank slate and we are who we are because of our experiences and are learned behaviors. Those who believe strongly in environmental influences are known as empiricists. (McLeod, 2007) Why has this debate become so controversial? According to McLeod, 2007 this debate has become heated because it begins a way of evaluating behavioral differences in society which then becomes a political debate about distributive justice and power in society. Many in psychology have come to the realization it is not an all or nothing view. Therefore, the debate has become one of deciding which one is most important. Leaving the question of if both factors influence our development which one is more responsible? Case Study A The Italian National Institute of Health, Rome Italy performed a twin study of the attachment styles in young adults. They assessed the relative contribution of both genetic and environmental influences to individual differences...
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...In a study of children attending summer camp at age 10, Sroufe, Egeland, Carlson, and Collins (2005) found that securely attached children tended to have more friends and better social skills. Likewise, in a cross-sectional study using self-report data, 15-18- year-olds with good parental attachment had better social skills and, subsequently, better competence in developing friendships and romantic relationships (Engles, Finkenauer, Meeus, & Dekovic, 2005). Ainsworth found that the anxious-ambivalently attached are especially at-risk for later behavioral problems, including aggressive conduct. These data suggested it is vital for the one-third of children who do not develop a secure attachment as infants be provided opportunities to repair the original attachment relationship or construct some form of attachment outside the home, perhaps through interaction with a teacher or mentor. This paper will “BRIEFLY DESCRIBE HOW PARENTS AND TEACHERS CAN HELP TEACH SOCIAL COMPETENCE”. Erikson (1950) provided another important theory related to social competence; his psychosocial theory of personality development emphasized the interplay between the social and emotional domains. Erikson highlighted the importance of the person resolving a series of conflicts where interpersonal relationships play an important role. In infancy, the conflict is Trust versus Mistrust. Erikson hypothesized that an infant will develop trust through interaction with a warm, available, and responsive caregiver...
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...feelings. Attachment theory in psychology originates with the seminal work of John Bowlby (1958). In the 1930’s John Bowlby worked as a psychiatrist in a Child Guidance Clinic in London, where he treated many emotionally disturbed children. This experience led Bowlby to consider the importance of the child’s relationship with their mother in terms of their social, emotional and cognitive development. Specifically, it shaped his belief about the link between early infant separations with the mother and later maladjustment, and led Bowlby to formulate his attachment theory. Bowlby defined attachment as a “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings” Attachment theory has become the dominant theory used today in the study of infant and toddler behavior and in the fields of infant mental health, treatment of children, and related fields. Secure attachment is considered to be the best attachment style. Secure attachment is when children feel secure in the presence of their caregivers. When the caregiver leaves the infant alone, the infant feels separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is what infants feel when they are separated from their caregivers. Anxious-ambivalent attachment is when the infant feels separation anxiety when separated from his caregiver and does not feel reassured when the caregiver returns to the infant. Anxious-avoidant attachment is when the infant avoids their parents. Disorganized attachment is when there is a lack of attachment behavior....
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...concept of attachment. Bowlby’s studies began at the Trinity College in Cambridge studying psychology. Bowlby furthered his education- graduating in medicine in 1933 then going on to qualify as a psychoanalyst in 1937. During this period Bowlby spent time working with delinquent children. It was this early work which allowed him to develop a strong interest in the development of children- in particular the impact of separation between caregivers and children. This was to have a profound effect and major influence on his future work. In 1949, the World Health Organization accredited Bowlby to write a report on the mental health of homeless children in postwar Europe. Following the publication of his report, Bowlby persisted in the development of his attachment theory. In 1969 he published his first book on attachment theory: Attachment and Loss Volume 1. (1) Bowlby devoted much of his research on the theory of attachment, describing it as a "lasting psychological connectedness between human beings" (Bowlby, 1969, p.194). (2) His theory ‘emphasised the importance of the bond established between infants and their primary carer-usually their mother’ (Scott etal). Once the bond is first established, an attachment is made between the infant and their mother. Bowbly believed that the need to form this primary attachment was innate...
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...Introduction “How have I become the kind of person I am today?” Every adult ponders this question from time to time. The answers that readily come to mind include the influences of parents, peers, temperament, a moral compass, a strong sense of self, and sometimes critical life experiences such as parental divorce. Social and personality development encompasses these and many other influences on the growth of the person. In addition, it addresses questions that are at the heart of understanding how we develop as unique people. How much are we products of nature or nurture? How enduring are the influences of early experiences? The study of social and personality development offers perspective on these and other issues, often by showing how complex and multifaceted are the influences on developing children, and thus the intricate processes that have made you the person you are today (Thompson, 2006a). Understanding social and personality development requires looking at children from three perspectives that interact to shape development. The first is the social context in which each child lives, especially the relationships that provide security, guidance, and knowledge. The second is biological maturation that supports developing social and emotional competencies and underlies temperamental individuality. The third is children’s developing representations of themselves and the social world. Social and personality development is best understood as the continuous interaction between...
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...Influence of Early Life Experiences on Anxiety disorders Anxiety disorder is a mental health description for all forms of uneasiness, excessive worry,and phobias of life events. Such fears can based on events that happened or just imagination and it affects the physical well-being of a person. Different studies have shown that anxiety disorders in different family members overlap. This may be due to the factors experienced while growing up, family factors and genetic transmission. A Childs needs and issues are diverse but a general assessment would indicate that all early experiences can lead to psychological problems. For example, a need to over-achieve, an anxiety disorder of a generalized nature or dysthymic disorder (mood disorder characterized by chronic depression). Such disorders can be traced to a long standing inability to derive satisfaction from one’s life alongside the family issues that worry people, the expectations from the society that leave one apprehensive and a person’s coping strategies which mostly are maladaptive (Corey, 2012). The details do not present a clear diagnosis as to anxiety disorder’s root cause in many cases, hence the need to be cautious when deciding on a therapeutic course of action. Everyone’s unique experiences bring up psychosocial challenges which may become the main focus of the clinical therapies. People may experience phase-of-life issues; present parent-child problems while at the same time having partner...
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