Ainsworth’s Strange Situation - Attachment

Question 1

Secure Attachment (Type B):

Answer 1

Infant is comfortable with exploration, seeks proximity to caregiver when stressed, and is easily comforted upon reunion.

Question 2

Insecure-Avoidant (Type A)

Answer 2

Infant explores freely, avoids caregiver, shows little reaction to departure or reunion, and does not seek comfort.

Question 3

Insecure-Resistant (Type C)

Answer 3

Infant seeks proximity but resists comfort, is highly distressed when caregiver leaves, and shows conflicting behaviours upon reunion.

Question 4

The Strange Situation,
Ainsworth et al. (1971, 1978)
What factors were assessed

Answer 4

Ainsworth developed a standardised observational study to assess attachment in 12-18-month-old infants.

Assessed through:
Separation from the caregiver.
Stranger anxiety.
Reunion behaviours.

Question 5

The Strange Situation,
Ainsworth et al. (1971, 1978):
Procedure

Answer 5

Conducted in a lab setting with eight episodes designed to observe. Episodes last 3 minutes and assess exploration, proximity-seeking, distress, and comforting.

Question 6

The Strange Situation,
Ainsworth et al. (1971, 1978):
Findings

Answer 6

Secure Attachment (60-75% of infants): Confident to explore, mild distress on separation, positive reunion behaviour.

Insecure-Avoidant (20-25% of infants): Limited proximity-seeking, little distress or interest upon reunion.

Insecure-Resistant (3% of infants): High distress, seeks but resists comfort, conflicting behaviours.

Question 7

The Strange Situation,
Ainsworth et al. (1971, 1978):
Application

Answer 7

Classifies attachment into clear categories based on observable behaviours.

Demonstrates the importance of caregiver sensitivity in attachment security.