Ainsworth Flashcards
What are the four types of attachment
Secure attachment
Insecure avoidant attachment
Disorganised attachment
Insecure ambivalent or anxious attachment
What is disorganized attachment?
A child with a disorganized attachment may act strangely, like freezing, looking confused or showing mixed emotions ( like wanting to be close but also acting scared) when their caregiver returns. Their behaviour is unpredictable
Why does disorganized attachment happen?
The caregiver may have been frightening or abusive, or when a child feels unsafe with them. Therefore child feels unsure about what to expect from the caregiver so their reactions are confused
What is insecure ambivalent ( or anxious) attachment?
A child with this attachment is very upset when the caregiver leaves and may act clingy or angry when they return. They want comfort but unsure how to get it
Why does insecure ambivalent (or anxious) attachment happen?
The caregiver may be inconsistent, sometimes being there for the child and other times not. Child may feel confused or unsure if the caregiver will always be there to help them
What is insecure avoidant attachment?
A child with an avoidant attachment doesn’t get upset when the caregiver leaves. The child seems independent and doesn’t show a lot of need for comfort.
Why does insecure avoidant attachment happen?
The caregiver may not be very responsive or caring so the child learns not to rely on them.
What is secure attachment?
A child with a secure attachment feels safe when their caregiver is around. The use the caregiver as a secure base to explore the world. When the caregiver leaves the child gets upset but feels happy once they return
Why does secure attachment happen?
The caregiver is usually responsive, caring and gives the child attention when needed
What is the strange situation attachment style test?
It is a procedure devised by mary Ainsworth in the 1970s to observe attachment in children, that is a relationship between a caregiver and a child.
