Attachment Styles

Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation Experiment (1969)

1. Introduction

• Conducted by Mary Ainsworth to study attachment styles in children

• Involved caregiver-child interactions in a playroom setting

2. Experimental Procedure

• Caregiver enters playroom with the child

• Caregiver leaves the room briefly

• A stranger enters, then leaves

• Caregiver returns

3. Attachment Styles Identified

3.1. Secure Attachment (70% of infants)

• Protest mother's departure

• Calm upon mother's return and seek comfort

• Resume play or exploration

• Occurs when caregivers are attuned to emotional needs

3.2. Avoidant Attachment (15% of infants)

• No distress during mother’s absence

• Will explore toys independently

• Little to no reaction on mother’s return

• Linked to rejecting or unavailable caregivers

3.3. Resistant-Ambivalent Attachment (15% of infants)

• Display sadness on mother’s departure and return

• Show ambivalence or anger and reluctance to engage

• Associated with inconsistent caregiving

3.4. Disorganized-Disoriented Attachment (<4% of infants)

• No clear strategy for responding to caregivers

• Mixed responses; may avoid or resist caregiver

• Often linked to frightening or neglectful caregiving

4. Cultural Variations in Caregiver Interactions

• Mainstream Caregivers:

  • Use exaggerated expressions, follow child's lead, frequent labeling

  • Provide detailed reminiscences of past events

• Other Cultural Approaches:

  • May not view children as intentional right away

  • More directive in interactions and brief reminiscences