(7) The Strange Situation - Mary Ainsworth

The Strange Situation Procedure

• Developed by Mary Ainsworth, a student of Bowlby.

• Aims to assess the quality of a child's attachment to their caregiver through controlled stress.

• Widely used standardized method based on observations of parent-child interactions at home.

Key Elements of the Procedure

Setting

• Conducted in an attractive but unfamiliar environment.

• Includes a specific sequence of events involving mother, child, and a stranger.

Participant

• A focus on 14-month-old Lisa and her reactions during the procedure.

Observational Phases

The Initial Interaction

• Lisa begins playing in the room.

• A stranger enters and attempts to engage with Lisa after a few minutes.

• Lisa is encouraged to play while the stranger reads a magazine.

• Cue for Distress: At a certain point, Lisa is cued to leave the room.

• The stranger’s attempts to comfort Lisa fail.

The Reunion and Mother’s Return

• Lisa's mother returns, prompting a recorded response from Lisa.

• The success of the mother's return is crucial; she calms Lisa quickly.

• The initial phase ends with Lisa exhibiting comfort from her mother.

Separation Anxiety

• After a brief interaction, the mother leaves again, leaving Lisa alone with the stranger.

• Lisa shows visible distress during this separation.

• Again, attempts by the stranger to comfort Lisa are unfruitful.

Conclusion of Observations

• The procedure concludes with the mother returning to comfort Lisa.

• Secure Attachment: Lisa's response indicates secure attachment, characterized by seeking comfort from her mother and the ability to explore the environment when she feels secure.