Attachment Styles in Childhood

Attachment Styles in Childhood

Attachment Styles in Childhood

Select TWO of the prompts below to respond to in this week’s discussion.

  1. Analyze the nature vs. nurture debate regarding the development of language.  Describe the language acquisition device, the case study of Victor the “Wild Child” and social influences of language development.  Do you believe that we innately learn language or are there environmental and social influences?  Why? (USLO 3.2)
  2. Develop a case study based on two attachment styles from Ainsworth’s research. Describe how each attachment style impacts the child and future relationships the child might have.  In your case study, describe why each parent has that attachment style and the benefits and drawbacks of that style.  For example, “Cassandra is Pedro’s mother.  She loves Pedro but does not always meet his needs because she has a hard time providing comfort.  Pedro avoids her when she comes into a room…”  In your response, describe the caregiver, the child’s reaction to the caregiver, and what attachment styles you are describing.  Please provide a lot of detail for each of the two attachment styles you choose. (USLO 3.1, 3.2)
  3. Describe the 3 types of temperament according to Chess and Thomas (1996).  Does temperament change over time?  Provide an example from your own life – what is the temperament of 2 people who are close to you?  Is their temperament consistent across situations?  (USLO 3.1, 3.2)

Attachment Styles in Childhood

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Attachment Styles in Childhood

Case Study: Secure vs. Insecure-Avoidant Attachment Styles

Cassandra and Pedro – Insecure-Avoidant Attachment
Cassandra is Pedro’s mother. Although she loves him, she struggles to provide emotional support. When Pedro cries or seeks comfort, Cassandra often tells him to “toughen up” or ignores his needs, believing independence is key. As a result, Pedro rarely seeks comfort from Cassandra and avoids her when she enters the room. He has learned that expressing emotions leads to rejection, not support. Pedro shows signs of insecure-avoidant attachment, characterized by emotional distance and self-reliance. In the future, Pedro may have difficulty forming close relationships, avoid emotional intimacy, and suppress feelings, believing others won’t respond positively.

Marie and Laila – Secure Attachment
Marie is Laila’s mother. She consistently meets Laila’s physical and emotional needs. When Laila is upset, Marie comforts her with patience and affection. Laila shows secure attachment—she is comfortable exploring her environment but returns to her mother for reassurance. She expresses her emotions openly, knowing Marie will respond. As Laila grows, she is likely to form trusting relationships, manage stress well, and develop strong emotional intelligence.

Comparison:
Cassandra’s inconsistent responsiveness fosters emotional avoidance in Pedro, while Marie’s consistent care builds confidence and trust in Laila. Both styles highlight how….