Ainsworth’s ‘Strange Situation’ Types of Attacthment Flashcards
What is a secure attachment?
A secure attachment is the most desirable form of attachment and is associated with psychologically healthy outcomes.
How is a secure attachment shown in the strange situation?
by the infant using the caregiver as a secure base, moderate stranger and separation anxiety, and joy on reunion
why does a secure attachment develop?
This develops as a result of sensitive responding by the caregiver to the infant’s needs.
what is insecure-avoidant?
An attachment type characterised by low anxiety but weak attachment.
How is insecure avoidant shown in the strange situation?
In the strange situation this is shown by, low stranger and separation anxiety and little response to reunion - an avoidance of the caregiver.
Why does insecure-avoidant develop?
This develops as a result of the caregiver’s lack of sensitive responsiveness to the infant’s needs.
what is insecure-resistant?
An attachment type characterised by high anxiety and strong attachment
how was insecure-resistant shown in the strange situation?
In the strange situation, this is shown by high levels of stranger and separation anxiety and alternating between seeking closeness and wanting distance at contact (known as seeking and resisting).
why does insecure resistant develop?
This develops as a result of the caregiver’s ambivalence (inconsistency) to the infant’s needs.
