3. Exploring Attachment Theory: Understanding the Influence of Assessments and Human-Animal Connections
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In today’s episode Brenda delves deeper into the setup of her study, shedding light on the profound influence of attachment theory and how it shaped her research. Join her as she uncovers the intricacies of two influential assessments in the field of attachment theory and explores their impact on her research study.
Brenda begins by discussing the renowned work of Mary Ainsworth, a pioneer in attachment theory. She highlights the relevance of such assessments in today's world, where children are often exposed to new environments and unfamiliar faces.
Drawing inspiration from attachment theory, Brenda explores the connection between humans and animals in her study. Can our attachment patterns extend to relationships with animals? By introducing a therapy dog as the "stranger" in her research setup, Brenda aims to observe participants' attachment patterns and emotional responses.
Brenda provides listeners with the background and design of her research study which was inspired by the principles of the Strange Situation assessment. Participants were exposed to interactions with a therapy dog, serving as the "stranger" in the scenario. Over the course of the study, Brenda observed and scored participants' behaviors, focusing on 15 predetermined criteria.
Brenda's study offers valuable insights into attachment theory and its applications in understanding human-animal connections. From the setup of sessions to the measurement of behaviors, Brenda provides a glimpse into the intricate details of her study.
References Mentioned in this Episode:
Strange Situation and the Adult Attachment Interview
Connect with Brenda with the link below
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