Strange Situation

What is the Strange Situation?

The Strange Situation is a controlled laboratory study developed by Mary Ainsworth to assess the quality of attachment between a caregiver and a child aged 12–18 months

What behaviours does the Strange Situation observe

It observes the child's response to:

• Separation from the caregiver

• Being alone or with a stranger

• Reunion with the caregiver (the most important measure)

What are the characteristics of secure attachment (Type B)?

The child:

• Uses the caregiver as a safe base for exploration

• Shows distress when the caregiver leaves

• Seeks comfort on reunion and is easily soothed

What are the characteristics of insecure-avoidant attachment (Type A)?

The child:

• Shows little distress when the caregiver leaves

• Avoids or ignores the caregiver on return

• May have learned that caregivers are not responsive

What are the characteristics of insecure-resistant attachment (Type C)?

The child:

• Becomes very distressed when the caregiver leaves

• Seeks contact on reunion but resists comfort

• May have experienced inconsistent caregiving

Why is the Strange Situation important?

It provides evidence for attachment theory, supports the concept of the internal working model, and shows how early attachments can influence later emotional and social development