Ainsworth's 'strange situation' Flashcards
What is the ‘strange situation’?
A controlled observation to measure attachment behaviour
What is the procedure?
- In a lab
- 2 way mirror
- 7 episodes measuring 5 types of attachment behaviour
What were the general results of the observation?
There were distinct patterns in the way children behaved - 3 main types of attachment
What 5 behaviours were being measured?
- Proximity seeking
- Exploration and secure base
- Stranger anxiety
- Separation anxiety
- Reunion behaviour
What is step 1 of the procedure?
After a mother and baby have settled, a stranger will enter and sit on the free chair
What is step 2?
After an interval, the stranger talks with the mother and after a while, starts playing with the child
What is step 3?
A little later, the mother gets up and leaves the room
What is step 4?
The stranger stays and tries to interact with the child
What is step 5?
After a period of time, the mother re-enters and the stranger leaves
What is step 6?
After a further interval, the mother leaves again, leaving the child alone.
What is step 7?
After a while, the stranger enters again and tries to comfort and play with the child
What is step 8?
The mother returns, the stranger leaves, and the mother and child remain in the room
What are the 3 attachment types?
Insecure-avoidant, secure, insecure-resistant
What is an insecure-avoidant attachment?
- Type A
- Doesn’t check mum’s presence and plays with stranger
- Not distressed when mum leaves and shows no interest in her return
What is a secure attachment?
- Type B
- Upset when mum leaves
- Happy when mum returns
- Easily calmed
- 60-75% of UK babies
