How attachments develop

?
Stage 1: Asocial stage (Birth - 3 months)
The baby is recognising and forming bonds with its carers. However the babys' behaviour towards non human objects and humans is quite similar. Babies show some preference to familiar adults in that those find it easier to calm them.
1 of 5
Stage 2: Indiscriminate stage (2 - 7 months)
Babies display more observable social behaviour. They show a preference for people rather than inanimate objects and recognise and prefer familiar adults. At this stage babies usually accept cuddles from any adult. no signs of seperation anxiety.
2 of 5
Stage 3: Specific attachment (7 months onwards)
The majority of babies start to display anxiety towards strangers and to become anxious when seperated from one particular adult. At this point the baby is said to have formed an attachment.
3 of 5
Stage 4: Multiple attachments (8 months onwards)
Shortly after the baby has started to show attachment behaviour towards one adult, they usually extend this attachment behaviour to other people. These are called secondary attachments.
4 of 5
Schaffer and Emerson's Study.
Conclusion: Attachments develop in 4 stages over the first year of life, usually with people who the child plays and communicates with the most.
5 of 5

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Babies display more observable social behaviour. They show a preference for people rather than inanimate objects and recognise and prefer familiar adults. At this stage babies usually accept cuddles from any adult. no signs of seperation anxiety.

Back

Stage 2: Indiscriminate stage (2 - 7 months)

Card 3

Front

The majority of babies start to display anxiety towards strangers and to become anxious when seperated from one particular adult. At this point the baby is said to have formed an attachment.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Shortly after the baby has started to show attachment behaviour towards one adult, they usually extend this attachment behaviour to other people. These are called secondary attachments.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Conclusion: Attachments develop in 4 stages over the first year of life, usually with people who the child plays and communicates with the most.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Psychology resources:

See all Psychology resources »See all Attachment resources »