Schaffer and Emerson stages of attachment

What are the four stages of attachment identified by Schaffer and Emerson?

• Asocial (pre-attachment)

• Indiscriminate (diffuse) attachment

• Specific (discriminate) attachment

• Multiple attachments

What happens in the asocial stage?

• Babies respond similarly to objects and humans

• Show slight preference for familiar people

• Basic behaviours like smiling

What characterises the indiscriminate attachment stage?

• Babies accept comfort from any adult

• Preference for familiar people

• No separation or stranger anxiety

What happens in the specific attachment stage?

• Primary attachment forms (usually mother)

• Separation anxiety appears

• Stranger anxiety appears

What happens in the multiple attachments stage?

• Attachments form with multiple people (family, etc.)

• Stranger anxiety decreases

What do these stages suggest about attachment?

Attachment develops in a fixed sequence and is likely biologically programmed.