Question

Compare Mary Ainsworth 3 types of attachment and how each is identified, and explain how these early attachments can a lasting emotional and behavioral impact by describing examples of both positive and negative outcomes.

Answer 1

• Attachment is an emotional relationship between parent and child during early age.When children come into this world,they have only their parents to take care of them and therefore the interactions between parent and child are extremely crucial in developing positive attachment.And this attachment carries on its effect even in adulthood,when as adults we get into romantic relationships.
• Attachment between a child and caregiver provides a secure base for the child,someone they could trust to protect them and help them to explore their surrounding environment.Caregivers are a safety net for a child,during early age.
• Ainsworth gave 3 types of attachment-secure attachment, ambivalent-insecure attachment, and avoidant-insecure attachment.
• The most positive attachment style is that of secure attachment.Children who are securly attached to their caregivers feel upset when caregivers are not around them and instantly feel happy when they come back.They seek comfort from their caregivers,when they are afraid.Parents who are securely attached to their children,show consistent care towards them,play with them and are more responsive to their needs.
• This kind of attachment produces positive effects later in life when a child becomes an adult.They develop empathetic feelings,are less aggressive,have trusting and long lasting relationships,high self esteem and are comfortable with their partners.
• Children who have insecure attachment become suspicious of strangers and exprience distress when seperated from their caregivers(ambivalent-insecure) and dont calm down easily even when the parent returns.They maybe more aggressive in their temperament.This kind of attachment leads to more negative outcomes in adulthood,as such children become reluctant to come to others and form a relationship,they develop worrying tendencies that their partner doesnt love and trust issues,they cannot form long lasting relationships because of such behaviours.
• Children with avoidant insecure attachment also avoid parents and not seek comfort from them.They also develop intimacy problems later on in life.They are less emotional in relationships,as they dont invest much to form a relationship,they dont share their thoughts and feelings with others,which leads to them being lonely in life.They are not attached to anyone and make excuses to avoid any kind of intimacy.