1a. Ainsworth's 'strange situation' and types of attachment

Who did the ‘strange situation’ study?

Ainsworth et al did the ‘strange situation’ study

What was the aim of Ainsworth’s ‘strange situation’ study?

Aim of Ainsworth’s ‘strange situation’ study=

• to observe key attachment behaviours in a controlled situation in order to assess the quality of the infant’s attachment

What was the procedure of Ainsworth’s ‘strange situation’ study?

Procedure of Ainsworth’s ‘strange situation’ study=

The strange situation is a quantitative observation process taking place in a controlled environment (i.e at lab) with a 2way mirror through which observations of infant attachment behaviours can be made.

There are 7 episodes (3 minutes each) designed to test a range of attachment behaviours in the procedure

What were the range of attachment behaviours used in the strange situation?

Range of attachment behaviours used in the strange situation=

1. proximity seeking- a baby with good attachment will stay close to the caregiver

2. exploration and secure-base behaviour- good attachment means the child will be confident to explore the primary attchment figure as a point of contact to make them feel safe

3. stranger anxiety- distress or fear shown by an instant or young child in the presence of a stranger

4. separation anxiety- distress shown by an infant or young child when separated from their primary caregiver

5. response to the reunion- good attachment means that the child will require and accept comfort from the primary attachment figure

What were the 7 episodes in the procedure?

7 episodes in the procedure=

Beginning: Caregiver and baby enter an unfamiliar playroom.

1. The baby is encouraged to explore→ Tests exploration and secure base.

2. A stranger comes in, talks to the caregiver and approaches the baby→ Tests stranger anxiety.

3. The caregiver leaves the baby and stranger together→ Tests separation and stranger anxiety.

4. The caregiver returns and the stranger leaves→ Tests reunion behaviour and exploration/secure base.

5. The caregiver leaves the baby alone→ Tests separation anxiety.

6. The stranger returns→ Tests stranger anxiety.

7. The caregiver returns and is reunited with the baby→ Tests reunion behaviour.

What were the findings- types of attachment- in the strange situation?

Findings- types of attachment- in the strange situation=

• Secure attachment (Type B). These babies explore happily but regularly go back to their caregiver (proximity-seeking and secure-base behaviour). They usually show moderate separation distress and moderate stranger anxiety. Securely attached babies require and accept comfort from the caregiver in the reunion stage. About 60–75% of British babies are classifi ed as secure.

• Insecure–avoidant attachment (Type A). These babies explore freely but do not seek proximity or show secure-base behaviour. They show little or no reaction when their caregiver leaves and little stranger anxiety. They make little eff ort to make contact when the caregiver returns and may even avoid such contact. About 20–25% of British babies are classified as insecure–avoidant.

• Insecure–resistant attachment (Type C). These babies seek greater proximity than others and so explore less. They show high levels of stranger and separation distress but they resist comfort when reunited with their caregiver. Around 3% of British babies are classified as insecure–resistant.