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Developmental

The document discusses Leo's attachment behaviors through the lens of Bowlby's attachment theory, highlighting his distress and lack of preference for caregivers as indicators of disrupted attachment development. It references Lorenz's and Harlow's studies to support Bowlby's ideas on the importance of a primary attachment figure and emotional security, suggesting that Leo's inconsistent caregiving may have hindered his attachment formation. Additionally, it raises concerns about the potential effects of separation on another child, Rebecca, and invites an evaluation of learning theories as alternative explanations for attachment.

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Nimna Koralage
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15 views3 pages

Developmental

The document discusses Leo's attachment behaviors through the lens of Bowlby's attachment theory, highlighting his distress and lack of preference for caregivers as indicators of disrupted attachment development. It references Lorenz's and Harlow's studies to support Bowlby's ideas on the importance of a primary attachment figure and emotional security, suggesting that Leo's inconsistent caregiving may have hindered his attachment formation. Additionally, it raises concerns about the potential effects of separation on another child, Rebecca, and invites an evaluation of learning theories as alternative explanations for attachment.

Uploaded by

Nimna Koralage
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

​ Samantha is a childcare worker who has noticed that a new child, Leo (aged 14
months), becomes extremely distressed whenever his mother leaves, and struggles
to settle even with familiar caregivers. Leo’s mother shared that she returned to
full-time work when he was 3 months old, and he was cared for by multiple relatives.
Samantha also observed that Leo does not show a clear preference for any one adult
and often avoids eye contact. She is concerned about his attachment development.

Using psychological theories and research, discuss Leo’s attachment behaviours. In


your answer, refer to Bowlby’s theory of attachment (including monotropy, critical
period, internal working model, and stages of attachment), and evaluate how studies
by Lorenz and Harlow support or challenge these ideas. Compare these explanations
with learning theory as an alternative account of attachment. A01 and A02

Bowlby’s theory of attachment suggests that children are biologically programmed to form
attachments for survival. He proposed that there is a critical period of around 0–2.5 years
during which a strong attachment must form to a primary caregiver, or there may be
long-term negative consequences such as emotional difficulties.
AO2: Leo’s distress when his mother leaves and his lack of clear attachment figures
suggest he may not have developed a strong attachment during this critical period. Since his
mother returned to work at 3 months and he was passed between relatives, this inconsistent
caregiving may have disrupted the formation of a secure bond.

Bowlby also argued for monotropy, the idea that infants form one special attachment that is
more important than others, typically to the mother. This attachment provides a base for
healthy emotional development and a secure internal working model of relationships.
AO2: Leo’s behaviour, such as not showing a clear preference for any adult and avoiding
eye contact, could suggest he has not developed a monotropic bond. This might lead to
future difficulties in forming trusting relationships, as his internal working model may lack a
stable foundation.

To support Bowlby’s theory, Lorenz conducted research on geese and found that they
imprinted on the first moving object they saw, suggesting innate mechanisms for attachment.
AO2: This supports the idea that Leo was biologically primed to attach early in life. However,
if no consistent caregiver was available during this sensitive time, his attachment system
may not have activated properly, leading to his current distress and insecurity.

Harlow’s study with monkeys showed that comfort and emotional security were more
important than feeding in the formation of attachment. Monkeys preferred the cloth mother
over the wire mother with food, indicating that emotional care is critical.
AO2: Leo’s discomfort and lack of secure behaviour may reflect a lack of emotional
responsiveness from caregivers, even if his physical needs (like feeding) were met. This
supports the idea that warmth and consistency, not just nourishment, are key to attachment,
aligning with Harlow’s findings.
2. Rebecca is a one-year-old child who has been in hospital for five weeks. There are
limited visiting hours in the hospital and her mother, Danielle, has to be at home to
look after Rebecca’s brother.
Danielle is worried that this separation from Rebecca will affect their attachment.
Discuss, using Bowlby’s theory of attachment, the effects this separation may have on
Rebecca.(8)
3. Evaluate learning theories as an explanation of attachment. (8)

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