15.4: What are the optimization implications of Ainsworth’s theory of attachment?

Applied Developmental Systems Science · LibreTexts

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    According to Ainsworth, the antecedents of attachment formation rest squarely on the mother. She states, “in our sample of normal babies there is a strong case to be made for differences in attachment quality being attributable to maternal behavior” (Ainsworth, 1979, p. Chapter 4. Contrasting Theories: Bowlby, Ainsworth, and Gewirtz 6 933). As a result, the optimization implications are stationed there as well. In order to help more infants and their caregivers achieve an optimal attachment, that is, a secure dyadic attachment relationship, researchers should target caregivers, helping them to become more sensitive and responsive. (Of course, if this is to be accomplished in a theory-guided manner, then an additional theory is needed, namely, one that explains the antecedents of caregiver behavior.)

    This page titled 15.4: What are the optimization implications of Ainsworth’s theory of attachment? was last modified on Wed, 25 Nov 2020 19:18:30 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-NC license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Ellen A. Skinner, Thomas A. Kindermann, Robert W. Roeser, Cathleen L Smith, Andrew Mashburn, and Joel Steele (Portland State University Library) .