PSY 246A Colorado Christian University The Attachment Theory Discussion

Developmental psychologist Kathleen Stassen Berger (2017) states that “attachment is…lifelong, beginning before birth and influencing relationships throughout life” (p. 184). In addition, “insecure attachment and especially disorganized attachment predict emotional problems – both externalizing (such as aggression) and internalizing (such as depression)” (p. 186).

Pages 158 through 159 define secure attachment and the various forms of insecure attachment that exist between babies and their caregivers. Answer the following questions after reading Section 5.1 in your textbook:

Based on your observations (in marriage, parenting, and/or friendship), describe an adult who is securely or insecurely attached. Please do not use any names if you are thinking of a real-life example. What might this person’s relationships with their own children and with their romantic partners look like? Please connect the traits you observe to specific ideas cited in Chapter 5 of Kail & Cavanaugh (2019).

What implications might attachment styles have on one’s faith or on one’s relationship with God?

As you respond to these questions, also reflect upon our biblical perspective for the session. How might a strong relationship with the Lord influence healthy attachment  Reading:
Kail, R. V., & Cavanaugh, J. C. (2019). Human development: A life-span view (8th ed.).

Chapter 3: Tools for Exploring the World: Physical, Perceptual, and Motor Development (assigned sections only)

• Section 3.2: Physical Development
• Section 3.3: Moving and Grasping: Early Motor Skills
• Section 3.4: Coming to Know the World: Perception

Section 3.5: Becoming Self-Aware

Chapter 4: The Emergence of Thought and Language: Cognitive Development in Infancy and Early Childhood (entire chapter)

Chapter 5: Entering the Social World: Socioemotional Development in Infancy and Early Childhood (assigned sections only)

Section 5.1: Beginnings: Trust and Attachment

Section 5.2: Emerging Emotions

• Section 5.3: Interacting with Others

Viewing:  
Video: The Attachment Theory: How Childhood Shapes Your Life (7:36)