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Understanding Attachment Patterns and Safety

The document discusses John Bowlby's attachment theory and Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation experiments which identified patterns of attachment in children. It introduces the Dynamic-Maturational Model of attachment which views patterns of attachment as strategies for processing information about potential threats and responding to danger. The model proposes that cognition and affect provide different types of predictive information and that integrated processing of the two leads to more accurate predictions of safety versus risk. Patterns of attachment represent different biases toward cognitive or affective processing as an evolutionary strategy. The document evaluates how much of the Dynamic-Maturational Model is empirically supported versus theoretical.

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Mike Christopher
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247 views4 pages

Understanding Attachment Patterns and Safety

The document discusses John Bowlby's attachment theory and Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation experiments which identified patterns of attachment in children. It introduces the Dynamic-Maturational Model of attachment which views patterns of attachment as strategies for processing information about potential threats and responding to danger. The model proposes that cognition and affect provide different types of predictive information and that integrated processing of the two leads to more accurate predictions of safety versus risk. Patterns of attachment represent different biases toward cognitive or affective processing as an evolutionary strategy. The document evaluates how much of the Dynamic-Maturational Model is empirically supported versus theoretical.

Uploaded by

Mike Christopher
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

4/20/2012

We dont need a secure base. Appearance is not always reality; apparent security can be compulsive. Danger organizes our behavior strategically. Patterns of attachment are selfprotective strategies.

NECESITAMOS UNA BASE SEGURA

The effects of exposure to danger can lead to irrational self-protection. The effects of exposure to danger can be experienced vicariously and without awareness. The non-B strategies can make life safer, more comfortable. Discrepancy is the source of new information.

A New Look
See what was always there, but from a new perspective; Draw new conclusions about
Clients Self

Take the time to understand: No cookbook of diagnoses & cures

Attachment theory is a theory about protection from danger. Patterns of attachment are strategies for identifying danger and protecting oneself from danger.

4/20/2012

Central Motivations to Behave


1. Protection of self and progeny (Bowlby) Threat: Danger

2. Reproduction (Freud) Threat: Isolation

Attachment is:
1. Pattern of attachment
(relationship) 2. Pattern of processing

Transformations
Sensory stimulation Patterns of neurological activation Representation Disposition to behave

information
(transformations of information) 3. Strategy for identifying and

responding to danger
(mental & behavioral strategies)

Sensory Stimulation
Temporal order Intensity of stimulation

Two Types of Prediction


Cognition
Learning of prior temporal contingencies

Affect
Unfocused, contextelicited arousal, i.e., anxiety

Cognition

Affect

Integration
Mental integration of cognitive and affective information to yield more accurately predictive information

4/20/2012

Patterns of Attachment
Type A Avoidant/Defended/Compulsive: Cognition-biased Type C Ambivalent/Coercive/Obsessive: Affect-biased Type B Balanced/Secure/Integrated: Unbiased

Dynamic-Maturational Model
Logical structure based on information processing Types A & C are theoretical & functional opposites Strategies are in dynamic interaction with maturation Strategies are in dynamic interaction with context Diagnostic model based on function of behavior

Cognition
Temporally ordered information (WHEN) Operant conditioning Single-trial learning Inhibition (punishing outcome) Compulsion (negative reinforcement) True & erroneous prediction

Pleasant

Depressing

Affect
Intensity of contextual stimulation (WHERE) Associative Conditioning Diffuse anxiety (intense high or low contextual stimulation) 1. Desire for comfort 2. Anger 3. Fear Self-maintaining feedback loops Comfort (moderate stimulation) True or erroneous prediction Anxiety inducing Irritating

4/20/2012

Integration
Duel inputs:
Cognitive & affective transformations

How much of the DMM is true?


The elements are almost all empirically derived. Their arrangement into patterns (both strategies and longitudinal pathways) is theoretical. The functional meanings attributed to the behavior are theoretical. The crucial issues are whether the DMM:
The DMM can adapt to new research DMM ideas lead to more effective interventions.

Compare, contrast Correct error Construct best representation of when & where there might be danger Organize best predicted behavioral response The danger of integration

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