Question

Which theory most likely predicts that boys raised without a father figure will

a) Psychoanalytic theory
b) Attachment theory
c) Social learning theory
d) Cognitive theory

Answer 1

Attachment theory is most closely associated with predicting the outcomes for boys raised without a father figure, emphasizing the importance of early caregiver bonds influencing later behaviors and relationship patterns.

Step-by-step explanation:

Attachment theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby, focuses on the importance of early emotional bonds that children form with their caregivers. These initial attachments can influence patterns of behavior in relationships throughout a person's life. In the context of the question, attachment theory would suggest that a boy raised without a father figure might experience challenges in forming attachments or in their socialization process because of the absence of this particular attachment figure.

While other theories, such as psychoanalytic theory and social learning theory, also consider childhood experiences significant, attachment theory directly relates to the impact of caregiver bonds on development and later life. Psychoanalytic theory deals more with unconscious motivations and conflicts originating in childhood, while social learning theory emphasizes the role of observing and imitating others. Therefore, attachment theory most accurately addresses the specifics of the question regarding the absence of a father figure.