Psychology of attachment

How does early care affect our emotional development and ability to form adult relationships? Apply research findings to understand better the different attachment patterns, how they affect relationships and how far difficulties may be overcome.

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Key course information

Dates
24/04/12 - 29/05/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
6 weeks

Time
18:00 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £135
Senior fee: £135

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
PP120

Availability
This date is full

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

You will be introduced to the field of research, knowledge and practice concerning attachment within human relationships. You will learn about attachment-related concepts and how they can be applied practically to your own personal lives as well as to wider cultural contexts such as childcare practices, education, therapy, religion. This course will be of particular interest to those who work with parents and/or children in a helping capacity.

What topics will we cover?

Historical context: the origin and development of the field of attachment (through psychology, ethology, systems theory, psychoanalysis) and a “Who’s Who” of the leading lights in the field.
A glossary of attachment-related terms: understanding the language of attachment theory.
Thinking about and critiquing the methods used in researching attachment.
Biological perspectives, including how the experience of attachment shapes the brain.
Learning the different attachment patterns, their causes and implications, and how to identify them.
Attachment during different stages of the life cycle: infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, midlife and later life, death and dying.
Examining attachment problems and how to create healthy and secure attachment.
Applying attachment knowledge to our own lives and the world around us: How does the psychology of attachment illuminate our personal behavior and our goals, and how do we think the world around us might benefit from making use of attachment findings?

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Name two leading contributors in the development of the field of attachment.
List and define at least five attachment-related terms.
Identify and explain the four styles of attachment.
Name the most famous research method used in studying attachment, and understand how it is used.
Describe what kind of parenting and child-care leads to secure attachment, and how this can be nurtured.
Say what you think is the most important implication for your life personally of what you have learned about the psychology of attachment.
Discuss what you think is the most important implication for the world around you of what you have learned about the psychology of attachment.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for people who do not have previous education in attachment theory. Proficiency in English is necessary, and a willingness to think about the topics covered in relation to your own life experience and a willingness to talk about this within the group.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

There will be teaching including slides, videos and handouts; group discussion; paired and small group activities with feedback to main group (including games and quizzes); reading and writing activities. Reading outside of the class is voluntary (references can be supplied for extra reading). No formal “homework” will be set, but at the end of each week a topic will be given for consideration by way of preparation for the next week’s class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No other costs. Bring an exercise book and pen/pencil.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2530

counselling@citylit.ac.uk

Drop-in course advice (term-time only) Tuesdays 13.30 - 14.30 (please ask at the Department Enquiry Desk).

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Psychology, counselling & personal development

Tel: 020 7492 2530

counselling@citylit.ac.uk

Drop-in course advice (term-time only) Tuesdays 13.30 - 14.30 (please ask at the Department Enquiry Desk).

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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