Classical and operant conditioning in attachment formation explains how infants develop bonds through learning experiences, though significant limitations exist in this theoretical framework.
- Learning theory suggests attachment develops through both classical and operant conditioning processes where caregivers become associated with food and comfort
- The role of conditioning in caregiver-infant attachment involves primary drives like hunger becoming linked to secondary drives involving the caregiver
- Research highlights significant limitations of learning theory in attachment, including evidence from animal studies and the importance of active infant participation
- Studies demonstrate that feeding alone doesn't determine attachment formation, with factors like interactional synchrony playing crucial roles
- Modern attachment research emphasizes the complexity of attachment formation beyond simple conditioning principles
