Contact Comfort Slides Psychology Unit: Development
The Power of
Touch
Evaluating Harry Harlow’s Landmark Experiments on Contact Comfort
The Ultimate Choice
"If you had to choose between a robot that fed you but was cold metal, or a soft blanket that gave no food, which would you cling to in fear?"
Think-Pair-Share:
What does this reveal about our basic needs?
Is survival just about calories?
Nourishment
Comfort
Before Harlow: The 1950s View
Behaviorist View
Infants "love" their mothers simply because they provide food. Attachment is a learned behavior based on reinforcement (milk).
Parenting Advice
Don't pick up a crying baby! You'll spoil them. Keep physical distance to build independence.
"Attachment was seen as a secondary drive to hunger."
The Surrogate Mothers
1
Wire Mother
Cold, hard wire frame. Provided milk through a bottle. Functional, but not "cuddly."
2
Cloth Mother
Soft terrycloth covering. No food provided. Heated with a lightbulb for warmth.
Video/Photo Placeholder:
The Shocking Findings
Time Spent
Monkeys spent 17-18 hours/day with the Cloth Mother , and less than 1 hour with the Wire Mother.
Fear Response
When frightened, monkeys rushed to the Cloth Mother for security, not the food source.
Safe Base
With the cloth mother present, monkeys were braver in exploring new objects.
Psychological Paradigm Shift
Contact Comfort
The physical and emotional comfort that an infant receives from being in physical contact with its caregiver.
Harlow proved that attachment is NOT just about food; it's about safety, warmth, and touch.
Wait... Is This Okay?
Harlow's monkeys suffered severe social and emotional damage later in life because they weren't raised by real mothers.
They were unable to interact with other monkeys normally.
They showed signs of extreme anxiety and aggression.
Discussion Question:
"Does the benefit of understanding human attachment outweigh the psychological harm done to these animals?"
Consider: Laboratory Ethics (APA Guidelines) vs. Scientific Advancement.
Key Takeaways
1
Attachment is built on Contact Comfort , not just biology.
2
A caregiver serves as a Secure Base for exploration.
3
Emotional neglect has long-lasting consequences.
Exit Ticket
In your own words, explain how Harlow's findings changed how hospitals and orphanages treat babies today.
Monkey Business Worksheet Monkey Business Lab Report
Experimental Analysis: Harlow's Contact Comfort
Name:
Date:
Part 1: The Research Question
Before Harlow, many psychologists believed attachment was a "secondary drive." Use the space below to define these concepts based on the class discussion.
The "Behaviorist" Prediction:
Why did they think infants loved their mothers?
Harlow's Hypothesis:
What did Harlow suspect was more important than food?
Part 2: Experimental Variables
Compare the two "surrogate mothers" used in the study. List their physical characteristics and what they provided.
The Wire Mother
The Cloth Mother
Part 3: Data Interpretation
1. The "Time" Factor:
Infants spent roughly 17-18 hours per day with the cloth mother, even when she provided NO food. What does this reveal about the infant's priorities?
2. The "Fear" Factor:
When a frightening mechanical object was introduced to the cage, which mother did the infants run to? Why didn't they run to the mother that provided the biological necessity (milk)?
3. Exploration & the "Secure Base":
Define the term Secure Base in your own words based on how the infants acted when the Cloth Mother was present in a new environment.
Part 4: Ethical Evaluation
Case Study Findings:
Harlow's subjects suffered from "maternal deprivation syndrome." They were aggressive, unable to socialize, and in some cases, failed to care for their own offspring later.
Consider the "Cost-Benefit Analysis" of this experiment:
A) What were the COSTS (Harm done)?
B) What were the BENEFITS (Knowledge gained for humans)?
Final Verdict:
If you were a member of an Ethics Board today, would you allow this experiment to proceed? Explain your reasoning using one of the "Ethics in Research" principles (Informed Consent, Protection from Harm, Minimal Deception, etc.).
The Real-World Impact:
How did Harlow's research change the way we design hospitals, orphanages, and daycare centers? (Hint: Think about skin-to-skin contact and parent visitation rules).
Harlow Ethics Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Harlow Ethics Debate Guide
Facilitating Critical Conversations on Experimental Ethics in Psychology
Instructional Goal
This guide provides talking points and structured questions to help students navigate the tension between Harry Harlow's groundbreaking discoveries and the severe psychological trauma inflicted on his animal subjects.
1. The Core Conflict
The "Pro-Research" Stance
Revolutionized pediatrics by proving "skin-to-skin" contact is vital for infant survival.
Overturned dangerous behaviorist advice that warned parents against hugging children.
Provided scientific evidence used to reform orphanages and foster care systems.
The "Ethical Objection" Stance
Caused "unnecessary" suffering; critics argue the importance of love was already intuitive.
Monkeys were intentionally isolated for up to 24 months, causing permanent psychosis.
Harlow himself was often dismissive of his critics, reportedly saying "I don't love monkeys."
2. Discussion Sparks
The "Common Sense" Argument
"Did we really need to torture monkeys to know that babies need hugs?"
Teacher Tip: Challenge students by asking if scientific "proof" carries more weight in policy-making than "intuition."
Modern Standards vs. History
"Can we judge Harlow by 2026 standards, or must we judge him by 1958 standards?"
Teacher Tip: Discuss the creation of the APA Ethics Code and IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee).
The Legacy for Human Infants
Kangaroo Care
Skin-to-skin contact for preemies is now medical standard based on this research.
Hospital Policy
Parental 24/7 visitation in pediatric wards replaced "limited visitation" rules.
Adoption
Emphasis shifted to placing children in homes as early as possible to ensure bonding.
End of Teacher Discussion Guide • The Power of Touch Lesson
Strange Situation Slides Observation & Analysis
The Strange Situation
Mary Ainsworth and the Patterns of Emotional Bonding
Observation Challenge
[Silent Video Clip: Reunion]
Watch the toddler's body language closely:
Do they reach out for the parent?
Do they look away or turn their back?
Are they easily calmed when picked up?
"The way a child REUNITES tells more than the way they PART."
Mary Ainsworth
The Attachment Pioneer
Ainsworth worked with John Bowlby but wanted a way to measure and categorize the quality of attachment in a laboratory setting.
Sensitivity
Her key finding: How responsive is the parent to the child's signals?
Internal Working Model
The mental blueprint children develop for all future relationships.
The 8-Step Procedure
01
Parent & Infant enter room.
02
Infant explores. Parent sits.
03
Stranger enters.
04
Parent leaves. (Sep 1)
05
Parent returns. (Reun 1)
06
Parent & Stranger leave.
07
Stranger returns.
08
Parent returns. (Reun 2)
What is Ainsworth looking for? Stress Reaction & Seeking Comfort
Style #1
Secure
Attachment
Occurs in about 60-70% of American infants.
Separation
Distressed when parent leaves; play slows down or stops.
Reunion
Easily soothed. Seeks contact immediately and then returns to play.
Style #2
Insecure
Avoidant
Occurs in about 15-20% of infants.
Separation
Does not seem distressed. Continues playing with little interest in parent's location.
Reunion
Avoids or ignores the parent. May turn away or focus intensely on a toy.
Style #3
Anxious
Ambivalent
Occurs in about 10-15% of infants.
Separation
Extreme distress. Cannot be calmed by a stranger. Fears the parent will not return.
Reunion
Pushes parent away while simultaneously clinging. Hard to soothe; showing "mixed" signals.
Strange Situation Coding Sheet Observational Lab
Strange Situation Coding Sheet
Subject ID:
Observer Name:
Instructions:
As you watch the provided case study clips, observe the infant's behavior during the three critical phases of the protocol. Mark your observations and use the criteria at the bottom to determine the infant's attachment classification.
Episode Phase Behavioral Observations (Notes) Key Indicators 1. Exploration
(Parent & Infant present)
|
|
Uses as secure base
Clings/will not explore
Ignores parent
|
|
2. Separation
(Parent leaves room)
|
|
Cries/searches
Indifferent/plays on
Extreme, inconsolable distress
|
|
3. Reunion
(Parent returns)
|
|
Seeks contact, easily soothed
Ignores/avoids contact
Angry/resists comforting
|
Final Classification
Secure
Insecure-Avoidant
Anxious-Ambivalent
Evidence for Classification:
Provide at least two specific behavioral cues observed during the reunion phase that led to your decision.
Stranger Anxiety
Proximity Seeking
Ainsworth (1978) The Strange Situation: Behavioral Assessment
Attachment Style Handout Attachment Style Cheat Sheet
A Student Reference Guide to Ainsworth's Classifications
Secure Attachment
~65% of Infants
Caregiver Style
Consistent, sensitive, and responsive to signals.
Strange Situation Behavior
Distressed by separation; delighted by reunion; uses parent as "secure base."
Adult Outcome
"I find it relatively easy to get close to others and don't worry about being abandoned."
Insecure-Avoidant
~20% of Infants
Caregiver Style
Emotionally distant, dismissive, or intrusive.
Strange Situation Behavior
Shows little distress on separation; actively avoids/ignores parent on return.
Adult Outcome
"I am somewhat uncomfortable being close to others; I find it difficult to trust them completely."
Insecure-Ambivalent
~10-15% of Infants
Caregiver Style
Inconsistent; sometimes responsive, sometimes neglectful.
Strange Situation Behavior
Intensely distressed by separation; clingy yet angry/resistant during reunion.
Adult Outcome
"I find that others are reluctant to get as close as I would like. I often worry my partner doesn't love me."
The "Internal Working Model"
Mary Ainsworth believed that these early interactions create a mental template for what relationships are supposed to look like. This template influences how we view trust, intimacy, and conflict for the rest of our lives.
Psychology Toolkit • Attachment Theory Series
Trust vs Mistrust Slides Psychosocial Development
Trust vs.
Mistrust
Erik Erikson’s First Stage of the Human Life Cycle
Vulnerability in the Dark
"How did it feel to be blindfolded and led by a stranger vs. a friend?"
Did you tense up?
Did you listen more closely?
What was your "default" state?
"For an infant, life is one giant, permanent Trust Walk."
1
Stage One: Infancy
Age: Birth to 18 Months
The infant is utterly dependent on caregivers for food, warmth, and safety.
The Central Question:
"Is the world a safe and predictable place, or is it dangerous and chaotic?"
Consistency
Feeding, changing, and comforting at regular intervals.
Predictability
Learning that a cry leads to a response.
Building
Trust
When care is consistent, reliable, and predictable...
The Virtue: HOPE
The belief that if a crisis arises, there is a high likelihood that it will turn out well and people will be there to help.
Internal View:
"People are generally good. I am worthy of care."
Result:
Confidence and security in exploration.
Developing
Mistrust
When care is harsh, inconsistent, or neglectful...
The Virtue: FEAR
The belief that the world is undependable and people are likely to let you down or hurt you.
Internal View:
"The world is scary. I am not safe."
Result:
Anxiety, heightened insecurity, and withdrawal.
Is the First Stage Forever?
Adult Impact
Erikson believed this first stage sets the foundation . If we don't resolve it, we may struggle with intimacy and trusting partners in our 20s, 30s, and beyond.
Can it be fixed?
YES. Erikson noted that later positive experiences and therapy can help a person learn trust, even if it wasn't there at the start.
"Nature + Nurture = Resilience"
Trust Foundation Scenario Cards Trust Foundation Scenarios
Applying Erikson's Psychosocial Stage: Trust vs. Mistrust
Case Cards
01
Consistent
Clara
Age: 4 Months
The Scenario
"Whenever Clara wakes up from her nap and starts to fuss, her father immediately comes to the crib, picks her up, and checks her diaper. He speaks in a calm, soothing voice. Clara knows that when she is hungry, her bottle is ready within minutes."
Psychosocial Outcome:
Resulting Virtue:
02
Inconsistent
Isaac
Age: 10 Months
The Scenario
"Isaac's parents are often overwhelmed. Sometimes when he cries at night, they come to comfort him right away. Other times, they let him cry for hours, hoping he'll fall back asleep. Occasionally, his mother is very rough when changing him because she is stressed."
Psychosocial Outcome:
Resulting Virtue/Feeling:
Critical Analysis
1. Based on Scenario 2, how might Isaac view a new babysitter when he is 2 years old?
2. How do these early scenarios connect to the "Internal Working Model" we discussed in the Ainsworth lesson?
Erikson Reflection Log Erikson Reflection Log
Personal & Theoretical Analysis
NAME: ________________________
DATE: _________________________
A
Theory Summary
In your own words, explain why Erikson believed the first 18 months are the most important for personality development.
B
Lifespan Connection
1. Trust in Friendships:
Think about your closest friend. How does the "Virtue of Hope" manifest in that relationship?
2. Dealing with Betrayal:
If someone breaks your trust, how do you typically react? Is your "default" state trust or skepticism?
The Resiliency Reflection
Erikson believed that even if someone develops "Mistrust" as an infant, they are not "broken" forever. Identify one positive influence (a coach, a sibling, a pet, a hobby) that can help a child build a sense of trust later in life.
Final Synthesis
Complete the following sentence: "If I were a parent, I would ensure my child developed a sense of trust by prioritizing _______________ because _______________."
Innate Temperament Slides Biological Roots
Born This Way
Differentiating Temperament from Attachment
Nature
Nurture
Who Were You?
"If you asked your parents about you as a baby, what would they say?"
"A dream sleeper?"
"Cried at every shadow?"
"The happiest kid on Earth?"
These early traits aren't learned—they are biological . In psychology, we call this...
Temperament
Temperament vs. Attachment
Temperament
Biological/Genetic
Present from birth
Reaction to environment
Attachment
Relational/Learned
Develops over time
Quality of bond
"Temperament is the instrument you are born with. Attachment is how the caregiver plays it."
The Three Types (Thomas & Chess)
😊
Easy Child
Positive mood, quickly establishes regular routines, adapts easily to new experiences.
40% of Children
😫
Difficult Child
Reacts negatively, cries frequently, irregular daily routines, slow to accept change.
10% of Children
🤨
Slow-to-Warm
Low activity level, somewhat negative, shows low intensity of mood, cautious with new things.
15% of Children
The Key Concept
"Goodness of Fit"
The match between a child's temperament and the environmental demands the child must cope with.
"A 'difficult' baby with a very calm, patient parent can still develop a Secure Attachment ."
Reflection
"Is there such a thing as a 'bad' temperament?"
Consider how a "difficult" (reactive) temperament might have been an advantage in an ancient, dangerous environment compared to a modern, quiet classroom.
Survival Advantage?
Social Fitting?
Goodness of Fit Profile Goodness of Fit Profile
Matching Child Temperament with Caregiving Styles
Interaction Analysis
Student Name
Class Period
1
Analysis Task: The Dynamic Duo
"Baby Leo is a 'Slow-to-Warm' infant. He is very cautious around new people and whimpers whenever his routine is slightly changed. His mother, Sarah, is a high-energy person who loves surprises and frequently takes Leo to busy birthday parties and loud family reunions."
The Conflict:
Why is this a "Poor Fit" between child and environment?
The Adjustment:
How could Sarah adjust her behavior to create a "Better Fit"?
2
Synthesis: Designing Care
In the table below, describe a Caregiving Strategy that would foster a "Good Fit" for each temperament type.
Temperament Type The "Good Fit" Strategy Easy Child Difficult Child Slow-to-Warm
The "Destiny" Question
Does having a "Difficult" temperament as a baby mean a person will be a "Difficult" adult? Use the concept of resilience and goodness of fit to explain your answer.
Attachment Architect Project Guide Summative Performance Task
The Attachment
Architect
The Challenge
You have been hired by a "New Parents Education Center" to create a research-based resource. Your goal is to synthesize everything we have learned about Contact Comfort , Attachment Styles , Trust , and Temperament into a one-page infographic or a 3-fold pamphlet.
Essential Question:
"What are the most critical actions a caregiver can take in the first 12 months to ensure a child develops a Secure Attachment?"
Project Stats
Format: Pamphlet
Audience: New Parents
Points: 100 pts
Required Blueprints
1. The Power of Presence
Explain the concept of "Contact Comfort" (Harlow) and why physical warmth and touch are just as vital as feeding.
Keywords: Harlow Nourishment
2. The Consistency Code
Using Erikson's theory, explain how a "Trusting" foundation is built through responsiveness and predictability.
Keywords: Hope Predictability
3. Biological Awareness
Define "Temperament" and offer advice on "Goodness of Fit" for parents who may have a "Difficult" or "Slow-to-Warm" baby.
Keywords: Nature Adjustment
4. The "Secure Base"
Explain Ainsworth's "Secure Attachment" and provide 3 concrete behavioral signs parents should look for in their child.
Keywords: Reunion Proximity
Architect's Planning Log
Target Audience Persona:
Who are you writing for? What are their fears or questions?
Headline Idea (Catchy/Research-Based):
Advice Critique:
Think of one piece of "social media parenting advice" (e.g., 'let them cry it out until they stop') and explain why it might conflict with the research we studied.
Summative Assessment • Psychology Unit: Developmental Bonds
Attachment Project Rubric Grading Rubric
The Attachment Architect Project
/100
Criteria Advanced (25) Proficient (20) Developing (15) Scientific Accuracy (Harlow & Erikson) Deep integration of Contact Comfort and Trust vs. Mistrust; no misconceptions. Clear explanation of theories; minor gaps in depth but scientifically sound. Brief mention of theories; significant errors in explaining core concepts. Attachment Styles (Ainsworth) Detailed advice on "Secure" behaviors; provides 3+ specific examples for parents. Mentions secure attachment; provides 2 examples of what to look for. Vague descriptions of attachment; no specific behavior cues provided. Practical Application (Goodness of Fit) Exceptional advice for managing difficult temperaments; sophisticated "fit" strategies. Includes temperament types and general advice for adjusting caregiving. Mentions temperament but fails to connect it to caregiving adjustments. Communication & Design Visuals enhance understanding; tone is empathetic and professional; no typos. Organized and clear; easy for a new parent to read and follow. Cluttered or disorganized; tone is inappropriate for the target audience.
Strengths:
Next Steps / Revisions:
Internal Teacher Notes
Evaluate the student's ability to critique modern advice in their planning log as part of the "Advanced" criteria for Application. Pay attention to how they bridge the gap between Harlow (1950s) and modern caregiving.
Synthesis Assessment Evidence-Based
