Learning Theory of Attachment

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Attachment is the strong emotional two-way bond between an infant and caregiver, which is reciprocal. One of the explanations as to why we form attachments is the behavioural learning theory of attachment. This theory states that attachment is formed to the primary care giver through learning, either by operant or classic conditioning. Classic conditioning, first proposed by Pavlov (1927), in his research with dogs, states that attachment is learnt in terms of association. The primary example of this is said to be food (UCS) and the feeling of happiness (UCR) as a result. When a child becomes hungry and wants food (UCS) and is distressed, this makes the caregiver (NS) feed the child, making the child happy (UR) and no longer hungry. Therefore, the child associates the primary caregiver (CS) as the person who looks after them, feeds them and protects them, making them happy (CR), through relation. This gives the child a sense of security as the caregiver is fulfilling its physical and psychological needs, creating an attachment. Operant conditioning proposed by Skinner (1938), in his research on rats, is based on action and consequences. Therefore, good behaviour that receives a reward will be repeated. This is known as positive reinforcement, and vice-versa. Dollard and miller (1950) proposed that when an infant is uncomfortable the infant creates a drive to reduce this. Once the infant is fed it feels pleasure (rewarding), the food is the primary reinforcer as it reduces the discomfort (becomes rewarding). The caregiver who supplies the food becomes a secondary reinforce and a source of rewards. Therefore, attachment occurs because the child seeks the person who can supply the reward (the primary reinforcer). The learning theory provides one explanation of attachment and suggests that attachment will be between an infant and the parents who feed it. The
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