Ainsworth Strange Situation

Question 1

Strange Situation

Answer 1

a controlled observation designed to test attachment security. Infants are assessed on their response to playing in an unfamiliar room, being left alone, left with a stranger and being reunited with a caregiver.

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

• controlled observation
• measure the security of attachment a child splays towards a caregiver
• in a room with quite controlled conditions (i.e. laboratory) with a two-way mirror through which they can observe infant’s behaviour

Question 3

Behaviours used to judge attachment:

Answer 3

• Proximity seeking
• Exploration and secure-base behaviour
• Stranger anxiety
• Separation anxiety
• Response to reunion

Question 4

Proximity seeking

Answer 4

an infant with a good attachment will stay fairly close to the caregiver

Question 5

Exploration and secure-base behaviour

Answer 5

good attachment enables a child to feel confident to explore, using their caregiver as a secure base, i.e. a point of contact that will make them feel safe

Question 6

Stranger anxiety

Answer 6

one of the signs of becoming closely attached is a display of anxiety when a stranger approaches

Question 7

Separation anxiety

Answer 7

another sign of becoming attached is to protest at separation from the caregiver

Question 8

Response to reunion

Answer 8

with the caregiver after separation for a short period of the time under controlled conditions

Question 9

The 7 steps in the procedure that last 3 minutes each

Answer 9

Beginning: Child and caregiver enter an unfamiliar playroom

1. Child is encouraged to explore - tests exploration and secure base
2. A stranger comes in and tries to interact with the child - tests stranger anxiety
3. The caregiver leaves the child and stranger together - tests stranger and separation anxiety
4. Caregiver returns and the stranger leaves - tests reunion behaviour and exploration/secure base
5. Caregiver leaves the child alone - tests separation anxiety
6. the stranger returns - tests stranger anxiety
7. caregiver returns and is reunited with the child - tests reunion behaviour

Question 10

3 main types of attachment Ainsworth identified

Answer 10

• Secure attachment
• Insecure-avoidant attachment
• Insecure-resistant attachment

Question 11

Secure attachment

Answer 11

Thought of as the most desirable attachment type, associated with psychologically healthy outcomes.
In the strange situation this is shown by moderate stranger and separation anxiety and ease of comfort at reunion

Question 12

Insecure-avoidant attachment

Answer 12

Characterised by low anxiety but weak attachment.
In the strange situation this is shown by low stranger and separation anxiety and little response to reunion - an avoidance of the caregiver

Question 13

Insecure-resistant attachment

Answer 13

Characterised by a strong attachment and high anxiety.
In the strange situation this is shown by high levels of stranger and separation anxiety and by resistance to be comforted at reunion.