Question

What did Harlow’s studies show was the basis of attachment? Describe secure and insecure infant attachment (refer to the ‘strange situation’), and the type of parenting that produces each type of attachment. How would temperament and parenting style interact to affect attachment? What affect does secure or insecure attachment in infancy have in adulthood?

Answer 1

Secure attachment style is a type of attachment which is based on the good faith of the child and the caregiver. When the caregiver leaves the child for certain moments the child knows very well that his caregiver must return. Therefore when the caregiver leaves the child and goes somewhere the child does not show any kind of reaction. When the caregiver returns the child is very glad and accepts the caregiver.

On the other hand, in the insecure attachment, the caregiver and the child are not bound in faithful relationship. The child becomes sad and disappointed when the caregiver leaves him. On the return of the caregiver the child shows anger and reaction.

When a child is nourished with secure attachment there appears that the child is social and he can build good relationship with others. He is very familiar to all. On the other hand, when a child is nourished with insecure attachment he can not believe others. He can not make successful and faithful relationship. He is short-tempered and fails to build lasting relationship. In the field of work the children with secure attachment can succeed very easily.