PSYB30H3 : PSYB30_lec 4.docx
Document Summary
John bowlby: why orphans had so many adjustment difficulties; talked about primacy of infant- caregiver relationintroduced an attachment-behavioural system (evolved goal-directed behavioural system that regulated children"s distances/proximity from their caregivers)this system would be adaptive in history. This system works with the primary caregivermom or dadmostly mom. Children that are not bonded to parents and parents that are not bonded to children = maladaptive (kids wander away from their parents w/out distress; they are at a greater risk of being injured/killed)decreased reproductive fitness. This system ensured that caregivers and children remained in close proximity. *attachment system is a behavioural-regulatory system that functions like a barometer/thermostat to measure distance/proximity. When things are ok/circumstances are safe/secure, the acceptable distance from mom is longer/larger; children can move further away/wander away and can explore the environment. When circumstances are unsafe/a stranger appears, this forces the child to seek proximity/return to mother. The acceptable (non-distressing) distance depends on how familiar or unfamiliar the environment is.
