Ainsworths “strange situation” Flashcards
1
Q
what were the range of behaviours that indicated attachment strength?
A
- proximity to the mother
- exploration/ safe base behaviour
- stranger anxiety
- separation anxiety
- reuinion response
- sensitive responsiveness of the mother to the infants needs
2
Q
what is the insecure avoidant attachment type (A)?
A
- keep distance from mum
- not using as secure base and explore freely
- low stranger anxiety
- low separation anxiety
- indifferent when mum returns not trying to gain comfort
- show little responsiveness to babies needs
3
Q
what is secure attachment type (B)?
A
- use mums as safe base to explore
- moderate stranger anxiety
- show separation anxiety
- happy reunion response= settle back to exploring quickly
- show sentive responsiveness
4
Q
what is insecure resistant attachment type(C)?
A
- don’t explore + clingy
- high stranger anxiety
- high separation anxiety
- when mum returns= mixed emotions
- crave and reject their attention
- mums inconsistent with sensitive responsiveness
5
Q
Ainsworth(1970-73): procedure
A
- 106 infants+mums in structured observation
- controlled lab setting for 3 mins
- 2 observed behind 1 way mirror recorded behaviour @ each stage
6
Q
Episode 1:
A
- experimenter inteoduces mother and baby to experimental room and leaves
7
Q
Episode 2:
A
- baby explores freely
- mother doesn’t interact
8
Q
Episode 3:
A
- stranger enters
- silent
- talks to mum
- approaches baby
9
Q
Episode 4:
A
- first separation episode
- stranger interacts w baby
10
Q
Episode 5:
A
- first reuinion epsiode
- mother greets and/or comforts baby
- tries to settle to play
- mother leaves
11
Q
Episode 6:
A
- second separation episode
- baby alone
12
Q
Episode 7:
A
- second separation continues
- stranger re enters
13
Q
Episode 8:
A
- second reunion episode
- mum enters
- stranger leaves
14
Q
Ainsworth (1970-73): Findings
A
- found 3 attachment types that correlated with sensitive responsiveness of the mother
- 66%= secure
- 22%= insecure avoidant
- 12%= insecure resistant
15
Q
Evaluting the strange situation: strength, standardised procedure
A
- high controlled lab experiment
- standardised procedure
- clear behavioural categories
- systematic and consistent approach at studying attachment
- able to replicate study