Development of the self: attachment
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Question
What is attachment?
Answer
A strong emotional bond between an infant and their main caregiver.
Question
What is a secure attachment?
Answer
Using the caregiver as a safe base — linked to sensitive, responsive caregiving.
Question
What is an insecure attachment?
Answer
Anxious or avoidant patterns, often from inconsistent or unresponsive care.
Question
Biological explanation of attachment?
Answer
An innate drive to bond with a caregiver for survival.
Question
Cognitive explanation of attachment?
Answer
An internal 'working model' of relationships that guides later expectations.
Question
Sociocultural explanation of attachment?
Answer
Caregiving norms and what counts as 'good' attachment vary by culture.
Question
Why is attachment not fully deterministic?
Answer
Later relationships and experiences can change a person's patterns.
Question
One limitation of attachment research?
Answer
Often correlational, risks over-determinism, and may reflect cultural bias.
Question
What is a working model?
Answer
An internal cognitive template of relationships built from early attachment.
Question
Which concept does attachment link to?
Answer
Change — the early self shapes the later self, but development stays open.
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Full study notes for Development of the self: attachment
Topic 3.2 hub
Human development
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