Explanations of Attachment (AQA A-Level Psychology): Flashcards

Innate tendency to form one primary attachment relationship

Innate drive to attach to one particular adult as primary figure

Innate behaviours triggering caregiving responses from adults

Crying, looking/smiling/vocalising, following/clinging

Birth to 2.5 years, first 12 months most crucial

Mental template from primary attachment influencing future relationships

39% showed primary attachment to someone other than main carer

Infants seek fathers for play, mothers for comfort

Attachment behaviours evolved as survival mechanisms

Provides template for all future relationships throughout life