What does a baby need? Love? If a baby does not receive love, how might that affect their development in infancy and later in life? How do caregivers demonstrate love? How may a baby’s natural response to the world (temperament) influence how a caregiver demonstrates love?
Think about the following story:
Helen was born of average size and weight. Helen was an easy baby. She cried when she was hungry or cold or needed some attention but slept through the night by the time she was 4 months old. She adapted to change easily. Her mother worked full time and decided not to nurse. In this way, others could help with care giving. Helen’s father worked long hours, and when he was home, he was too tired to help with Helen’s feeding, diapering, and nighttime needs. Helen’s mother fed her regularly but did not think that when Helen cried after only 2 hours that she could possibly be hungry again, so she ignored some of Helen’s cries. As Helen got older, her father began to spend more time with her—mainly in play. Helen’s mother rarely played with her. During the day when Helen’s mother worked, Helen was taken care of by her aunt. Her aunt spent a lot of time playing with, singing to, and rocking Helen when she needed to be comforted.
To prepare for this Assignment:
- Review the article, “Introduction to the Special Section on Attachment Theory and Psychotherapy.”
- Think about Helen’s experience and what you can discern about her temperament.
- Consider how each of the caregivers in Helen’s life demonstrated their love. Think about how responsive the caregivers were to her needs.
- Consider the possible attachment style (secure, avoidant, or anxious) that may have resulted from a combination of Helen’s temperament and the sensitivity of the care giving.
- Think about Helen’s caregiving arrangement. Is it common that infants are cared for by more than one person in the United States and around the world?
The Assignment (2–3 pages):
- Write an analysis of both Helen’s temperament and of the sensitivity of her caregivers.
- Explain what research suggests about how Helen’s caregivers’ own attachment histories may influence how they interact with her.
- Predict Helen’s attachment style. Be sure to explain how Helen’s temperament influences her attachment style.
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