PSYCH404: The Development of Psychological Attachments
Unit Aim: The aim of this unit is to provide learners with information and comprehension of attachments as well as how their loss or disruption can lead to a better understanding of how early experiences can influence later development.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Understand learning theory of psychological attachment.
1.1 Analyse learning theory of attachment.
1.2 Assess the development of attachments using learning theory.
Understand caregiver-infant interactions, reciprocity and interactional synchrony.
2.1 Analyse what is meant by the term ‘reciprocity’ in relation to caregiver–infant interactions.
2.2 Analyse what is meant by the term ‘interactional synchrony’ in relation to caregiver–infant interactions.
Understand the development of attachment in human and animal studies.
3.1 Analyse the way in which attachment develops in humans and animals.
3.2 Analyse the findings of studies that investigate the development of attachment in humans and animals.
Understand individual and cultural variations in attachment.
4.1 Analyse the way in which attachment can vary between individuals and cultures.
4.2 Evaluate whether patterns of attachment appear to be universal or are subject to cultural influences.
1. Introduction: The Enduring Power of Connection
The human experience is fundamentally shaped by our relationships. From the moment of birth, infants are driven to seek proximity and comfort from their caregivers, forming unique bonds that lay the cornerstone for all future social and emotional development. This intricate process of forming emotional ties is known as psychological attachment, a concept central to understanding human behavior, mental health, and societal well-being. The study of attachment is not merely an academic exercise; it offers profound insights into how early experiences can reverberate throughout a lifetime, influencing personality, coping mechanisms, relationship patterns, and even physical health.