Social Psychology

In the early 1950s child psychologist John Bowlby originated the theory of infant attachment . He noticed a deep emotional connection between the infant and the caregiver as an expressive connection that forms building a lasting relationship that continues to last over time Mary Salter Ainsworth took notice to Bowlby ‘s theory and expanded on its foundation giving it an empirical base that allowed psychologists to measure the concepts of the connections . Over the past 60 years this theory has evolved and continues to do so today . Though there are various types of [banner_entry_middle]

connections this is going to address three Insecure-avoidant , Insecure-Ambivalent , and Insecure-disorganized

Insecure-avoidant attachment is where the connection between the infant and the caregiver , usually the mother , is less secured . The caregiver is unavailable to the infant , lacks response to the infant ‘s needs and tends to reject close contact . This type of connection has an effect upon the infant ‘s reaction to his or her caregiver . The infant seems to have little distress with the separation , is not openly welcome to the caregiver ‘s presence as he or she tends to ignore or welcome the reunion and while joined the infant does not openly seek closeness or the desire to maintain close contact

Insecure-ambivalent is a connection that is less consistent than others . The caregiver ‘s response is not predictable or reliable when reacting to the infant ‘s needs . In other words the caregiver may react in a fashion that provides the infant with a feeling of security however other times the caregiver may react in a fashion that is distant and non responsive to the infant ‘s needs . The lack of consistency does have an effect upon the infant ‘s connection with his or her caregiver The infant is distressed and unsettled when separated from the caregiver , is not easily comforted when the two are reunited and the infant ‘s lack of consistency in the relationship tends to inhibit his or her desire to explore

Insecure-disorganized is an extreme type of reaction that affects the infant emotionally and may cause physical harm therefore , severe emotional problems could erupt . The caregiver has a tendency to be abusive including neglectful when responding to the infant ‘s needs as well as responding in a frightening or disassociated fashion when care for the infant is needed . The reunification of the two will result in the infant ‘s desire to walk away from his or her caregiver , when separated the young child will hide and has a tendency to freeze for seconds at a time or dazes off in the distance with a blank or frightened look

Researchers have found that the infant ‘s relationship with his or her caregiver has a profound impact on the child ‘s future relationships These reactions are unconscious and over time can result in negative psychological reactions . The secure connection tends to have a positive effect on adulthood . The adult who was reared in an environment where a secure relationship was formed with his or… [banner_entry_footer]