Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Flashcards
What is the impact of a caregiver’s sensitivity on a child’s future relationships?
A caregiver’s sensitivity promotes comfort in giving and receiving love
This is based on the hypothesis that a mother’s behavior towards her infant influences the child’s ability to form future relationships.
What characterizes insecure-resistant attachment (Type A)?
Children display intense distress when separated from caregivers but also resist comfort upon their return
This attachment style is marked by clinginess and concern about caregiver availability.
What are the potential future relationship outcomes for children with insecure-resistant attachment?
Limited ability to build and maintain stable relationships
This is due to the inconsistent experiences of comfort and support from caregivers.
What defines insecure-avoidant attachment (Type A)?
Children tend to avoid or ignore their caregiver and show little emotional response when the caregiver departs or returns
These children often do not seek comfort from their caregiver.
What percentage of children exhibit secure attachment according to Ainsworth’s Strange Situation?
70%
This reflects the majority of children demonstrating a secure attachment style.
What are the findings regarding insecure avoidant and insecure-resistant attachment in Ainsworth’s Strange Situation?
15% insecure avoidant and 15% insecure-resistant
These percentages indicate the prevalence of these attachment styles among children observed.
What is the main conclusion of the Ainsworth’s Strange Situation regarding attachment patterns?
High reliability of controlled observations and inter-observer reliability
The study emphasizes the importance of consistent methods in assessing attachment styles.
What is a limitation of Ainsworth’s Strange Situation mentioned in the conclusions?
It is seen as simplistic and reductionist, not accounting for the complexity of infant attachment patterns
The critique highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of attachment.
What was the procedure used in Ainsworth’s Strange Situation?
Controlled observation of mother-infant reactions through a one-way mirror
This involved multiple observers to ensure reliability.
How long did the observations last during Ainsworth’s Strange Situation?
20 minutes
Observations were structured into predetermined episodes lasting approximately 3 minutes each.
What is the primary behavior of secure children during the Strange Situation?
They explore their environment while feeling protected by their caregiver’s presence
This indicates a secure base from which the child can explore.
True or False: Insecure-avoidant children often seek comfort from their caregiver.
False
Insecure-avoidant children typically do not seek comfort and appear indifferent to their caregiver’s presence.
