Learning theory of attachment

• What does the learning theory of attachment suggest?

  Infants learn attachment through conditioning
• What is classical conditioning?

  Learning through association
• How has classical conditioning been used in attachment theory?

  To explain how attachments are formed
• What does UCS stand for in classical conditioning?

  Unconditioned Stimulus
• What does UCR stand for in classical conditioning?

  Unconditioned Response
• What role does food play in classical conditioning for infants?

  Food is the unconditioned stimulus
• What is the initial response of an infant to the mother as a neutral stimulus?

  The mother initially causes no response
• How does an infant learn to associate the mother with food?

  Through repeated pairings of mother and food
• What does CS stand for in classical conditioning?

  Conditioned Stimulus
• What does CR stand for in classical conditioning?

  Conditioned Response
• What is the result of the mother becoming a conditioned stimulus?

  The mother produces pleasure in the infant
• Why does the infant form an attachment to the mother?

  She creates a sense of pleasure
• What is operant conditioning?

  Learning through consequences
• Who used operant conditioning to explain attachment?

  Dollard & Miller
• What discomfort does hunger create in an infant according to Dollard & Miller?

  Discomfort in the infant
• What happens when an infant is fed?

  Their discomfort is reduced, producing pleasure
• What is considered the primary reinforcer for an infant?

  Food
• What does the infant learn to recognize?

  The person who provides food
• What is the term for the person who provides food in the context of attachment?

  Secondary reinforcer
• What happens if the infant remains close to the person providing food?

  They will be fed and avoid hunger discomfort
• What behavior does the infant repeat as a result of reinforcement?

  Remaining in close proximity to the person
• What is formed as a result of the infant's behavior of remaining close?

  An attachment to the person
• What is another name for the learning theory of attachment?

  Cupboard love theory
• Why is it called the cupboard love theory?

  Attachment bonds are formed based on food provision
• What is a weakness of learning theory of attachment 


  • Weakness = animal studies don't support learning theory of attachment
  • learning theory of attachment --> infants attach person who feeds them
  • BUT Lorenz's geese imprinted before they were fed, Harlows monkeys attached ---> cloth mother, regardless of milk bottle

  Studies suggest attachment doesn't develop as a result of feeding
• What is a weakness of learning theory of attachment 


  • weakness = research with human infants shows feeding = not most important factor in development
  • -E.G Schaffer + Emerson (1964) found primary attach fig = not necessarily person who fed infant, person who interacted most, responded quickly + sensitively
  • Suggests LT of attach cannot explain attach in human infants
• What is a weakness of the learning theory of attachment 


  • Weakness of LT of attachment - criticised for ignoring other factors associated with development of attachment
  • E.g ignores importance of caregiver - infant interactions
  • Isabella Et Al (1989) found high levels of interactional synchrony = high quality attachment bonds
  • If attachment developed purely result of feeding, (as LT attachment suggests) no purpose for these complex interactions
• What is a strength of learning theory of attachment


  • Strength - although unlikely association with food plays a role in development of attachment, conditioning may still play a part.
  • E.g infant may associate feeling warm + comfortable

  with presence of particular adult, may influence infants choice of main attachment figure

  • Suggests LT of attachment may still be useful in understanding development of attachment.