Types of Attachment

What is the Strange Situation

Controlled observation. Studied baby’s attachment types. Takes place in a room with controlled conditions.

What were the categories

Proximity seeking - baby with secure attachment = close proximity to caregiver

Exploration/safe-base - baby with secure attachment = willingness to explore & use caregiver as safe-base

Separation anxiety - baby with secure attachment will be slightly distressed & protest upon separation

Stranger anxiety - baby with secure attachment will show anxiety when approached by a stranger

Reunion response - baby with secure attachment will be easily consoled upon reunion/show pleasure & seek comfort

What characterises insecure-avoidant attachment?

Lack of proximity seeking/secure-base. No reaction to separation/stranger. Lack of effort to make contact upon reunion/may even avoid contact.

What characterises insecure-resistant attachment?

High proximity seeking. Lack of exploration. High separation & stranger anxiety. Inconsolable upon reunion. Push-and-pull effect of seeking parent & resisting comfort from them upon reunion.

Strength: Predictive Validity

Predicts outcomes in later development. Secure babies → better outcomes in school (e.g. better grades) & in adulthood mental health (Ward). Babies falling outside of A/B/C get worst outcomes.

Limitation: Culture Bound.

Not representative. Experiment done in Japan, a disproportionate number of babies wrongfully defined as insecure-resistant due to culture difference. Mother-and-baby rarely separated. Higher sep anxiety.

Strength: Good Reliability

Inter-rater reliability. Bick et al: agreement on 94% cases. Controlled conditions & behaviours involve large movement. Not subjective judgement.

Limitation: Other Type of Attachment.

Main & Solomon: Type D. Insecure-resistant & insecure-avoidant behaviours. Experienced abuse/severe neglect. Psychological disorders in adulthood.