Define Attachment Theory and Its Historical Context in Both Ethology: Child Psychology Assignment, UCD

Title of Assignment: Attachment Theory and Life Transitions

Guidelines:

In an essay, give an overview of attachment theory, both its history and subsequent development.

Discuss why attachment is important and what effects, positive and negative, the attachment may have in later life.

The Genius of John Bowlby: 

• Define Attachment theory and its historical context in both ethology, psychoanalysis, and the relevant life biographical experiences of John Bowlby.

Mary Ainsworth and the Strange Situation:

• Discuss Ainsworth’s contribution to attachment theory via the ‘strange situation’ controlled observations, and the various attachment types she deduced.

Influences on Attachment Formation: 

• Drawing on course content and your personal readings, discuss what influences can impact attachment formation (e.g., responsive parenting).

• Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory,  indicate how different systems may impact on attachment?  (E.g.,  how  might  culture  or  government  policy  affect attachment via attitudes or practices towards child-rearing?)

Love, Life, and Learning:

• In light of all the above, indicate why attachment (love)  is important and what effects attachment can have in later life (adolescence and adulthood) for both the  individual, significant others, and society as a whole

• Make use of Erik Erikson’s psychosocial identity theory to discuss how life transitions, such as puberty, adulthood, marriage, etc., may impact the individual’s sense of self for good or ill

• Personally, reflect on how learning about attachment and psychosocial identity theory has impacted your view or approach to child and youth development and care.

• Indicate how you might use or apply psychological theory and insights ethically to help children and adolescents  achieve their educational and personal development goals