You will have learnt about a key question from child psychology that is relevant to today's society - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 14 - 2017 - Paper 2

One key question from child psychology that is highly relevant today is the impact of attachment styles on child development.

1. Overview of Attachment Theory: Attachment theory, initially proposed by John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth, focuses on the bonds formed between children and caregivers. Secure attachment typically leads to better emotional and social outcomes.

2. Research Findings: Ainsworth's (1978) Baltimore study found that 65% of the children were securely attached. This research highlighted the importance of nurturing environments for healthy psychological development.

Grossmann's study in Germany found that only 33% of children were securely attached, indicating cultural differences in attachment styles. Takahashi (1986) looked at Japanese children and found higher instances of insecure-resistant attachment, suggesting cultural variations play a significant role.

3. Variability by Culture: Research by Sagi (1985) indicated that children in Kibbutzim, a communal living arrangement in Israel, had different attachment styles, with 50% reported as type C. This raises questions about the generalizability of attachment theory across diverse cultural settings.

4. Implications for Parents and Caregivers: Understanding attachment is crucial for caregivers. Hattie posited that cultural factors might impact children’s attachment styles, affecting parenting strategies across different societies. If participants were Japanese, they might adhere more strongly to maternal attachment styles.

5. Conclusion: In conclusion, the key question from child psychology regarding attachment styles not only informs developmental psychology but also emphasizes the need to consider cultural contexts when evaluating child-rearing practices. This fosters a deeper understanding of how children adapt emotionally in varied environments.