PSY-2033 Perspectives on attachment - 10 stp

Attachment is "an affectional tie that one person or animal forms between himself and another specific one- a tie that binds them together in space and endures over time" (Ainsworth & Bell, 1970). Attachment theory was developed to understand processes and differences in relationships between parents and infants. It is probably the most widely used theory on infants’ emotional/relationship development. However, since its beginnings more than 50 years ago, attachment research has expanded, for example to correlates of early attachment relationships and effects on developments and relationships later in life. In addition, it is not only used as a basis for a multitude of research projects, but it is also the background of many interventions. Knowledge of attachment theory, including its roots and limits, is therefore an important background for students who are considering working with infants or interpersonal relationships in the future.

In this course we will address questions such as:

• How can we assess attachment?
• Does institutional daycare cause attachment problems?
• Does a difficult attachment in infancy lead to relationship problems in later life?
• Is attachment affected by factors such as the family’s socio-economic status or cultural background?

The course will convey the foundations of attachment theory, explore some current uses and discuss the problems and boundaries of attachment theory. Students will be provided with opportunities to attain or strengthen skills both in behavioral observation and in science literacy, such as searching, presenting and discussing research articles critically.

Application code 9199

Maximum 15 students

Recommended prerequisites: PSY-2502 Utviklingspsykologi i et livsløpsperspektiv/PSY-2503 Developmental Psychology

Learning goals:

Knowledge:

Students will know about

• the foundations of attachment theory
• some current uses of attachment theory
• problems and boundaries of attachment theory

Skills:

Students will be able to:

• Observe attachment behaviors and reflect about them
• Present, discuss and evaluate scientific publications and theories

General competence:

Students will have acquired or strengthened their ability to

• Search and identify relevant scientific papers for a chosen topic
• Discuss and reflect on psychological questions with peers

A series of sessions, 2 hours each. Different methods are used in the sessions. These can include lectures, student presentations, groups work and video-based behavioral observation. Active participation is required.

Outside the sessions students will be expected to observe attachment behavior in a naturalistic setting, search for a relevant paper and prepare for the sessions.