Attachment Theory and Parenting Styles: A Case Study Analysis

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY
Rebecca case study
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1PSYCHOLOGY
Answer 1
There is mounting evidence for the fact that adult attachment are guided by the
supposition that similar motivational system that are responsible for generating strong
emotional bond between children and their parents, which directly determines the connection
that progresses between grown-ups in emotionally warm relationships (Fraley et al.
2015). Attachment theory proposed by Bowlby is engrained in the ethological conception that
a new-born child is naturally programmed to search for closeness with guardians, and this
proximity-seeking conduct is unsurprisingly selected by the surroundings (Holmes 2014). In
other words, attachment delivers a protected base that allows the children to explore their
surroundings, a refuge of safety to which they can come back, when fearful or afraid. It was
also stated by Ainsworth that degree of sensitivity demonstrate by the parents and caregivers
also determine whether or not a kid will have an insecure or secure form of attachment (Van
Rosmalen, Van Der Horst and Van der Veer 2016). Thus, the theories anticipate a reply by an
attachment figure that will eliminate intimidation or discomfort.
An analysis of the case scenario suggests that Rebecca manifests an insecure form of
attachment. This kind of attachment is generally considered in the form of a consequence of
the relation that are developed with people, who are trusted in childhood. There is substantial
evidence for the fact that this attachment pattern originates in early childhood and is found to
persist throughout the lifetime (Oshri et al. 2015). Although a child may display either secure
or insecure attachment, upon analysing the relationship that Rebeca shares with her mother, it
can be suggested that anxious-ambivalent form of insecure attachment prevails. Also referred
to as resistant attachment, a child displaying this attachment form is typically found to
explore less of the surroundings, and is often cautious of all strangers (Schimmenti and
Bifulco 2015). The same can be found in the case study as well where Mrs Hermann grows
alarmed upon finding Rebecca exploring the environment.

2PSYCHOLOGY
Furthermore, the fact that Rebecca is unresponsive to social invitations also confirms
the presence of passivity in the child. There is mounting evidence for the fact that exploratory
behaviour of ambivalent passive children is restricted throughout their childhood, which in
turn is concomitant with absence of active initiation. According to Fonagy (2018) one of the
strongest survival instincts is founded on a child’s incapability to endure on its own. Children
typically demonstrate complete dependency on an adults for protection and nurturance.
However, in ambivalent-anxious attachment, most caregivers and/or parents are incompatibly
in agreement to their children (Gumley et al. 2014). While at times the behaviour
demonstrated by the parents are attuned, nurturing and respond in an effective manner to the
distress of the children, at other instances the parents demonstrate behaviour that makes them
appear as insensitive, intrusive, and emotionally unavailable. The same has been affirmed by
the case study where, while Mrs Hermann sleeps in same bed with Rebecca, protects her, and
engages in activities such as, book reading that help them develop their bond, she is at times
indifferent to Rebecca seeking approval to play with unfamiliar toys. Lack of any signs of
approval and pleasure often makes the child confused and insecure, not understanding what
type of treatment to presume (Nam, Choi and Lee 2015). Hence, it can be stated that Rebecca
displays an insecure anxious-ambivalent attachment.
Answer 2
Parenting style refer to the psychosocial construct that represent typical approaches
used by parents in rearing their kids. The quality of parenting is therefore more crucial than
the amount of time spent with kids. According to Baumrind’s parenting typology there are
four components that help in shaping an effective parenting namely, demanding vs.
undemanding and responsiveness vs. unresponsiveness (Steinberg and Darling 2017).
Through her research, Baumrind recognised three parenting styles such as, authoritarian,
permissive, and authoritative. An analysis of the case study suggests that Mrs Hermann is