AINSWORTHS STRANGE SITUATION [attachment types] Flashcards
What was the aim of the Strange Situation?
To observe key attachment behaviours in order to assess the attachment between child and caregiver
How was the Strange Situation set up?
In a controlled room with a two-way mirror
Which behaviours were used to judge attachment?
Proximity seeking Secure base Stranger anxiety Separation anxiety Response to reunion
What were the 7 episodes of the Strange Situation?
- Child is encouraged to explore
- Stranger enters and interacts
- Caregiver leaves child with stranger
- Caregiver returns and stranger leaves
- Caregiver leaves child alone
- Stranger returns
- Caregiver returns and is reunited
What 3 types of attachment did Ainsworth conclude from this observation?
Secure
Insecure-resistant
Insecure-avoidant
What percentage of infants was found to be each attachment type?
Secure = 60-75%
Insecure avoidant = 20-25%
Insecure resistant = 5%
What are the characteristics of a securely attached child?
- explore happily but seek proximity to base
- moderate stranger/separation anxiety
- accept comfort at reunion
What are the characteristics of an insecure-avoidant child?
- explore freely without proximity
- little stranger/separation anxiety
- don’t require comfort on reunion
What are the characteristics of an insecure-resistant child?
- explore less, seek great proximity
- huge separation/stranger anxiety
- reject comfort on reunion
What kind of caregiver might create a secure attachment?
Reliable, available, responds to needs
What kind of caregiver might create an insecure-avoidant attachment?
Rejecting, unavailable during times of need
What kind of caregiver might create an insecure-resistant attachment?
Inconsistent with care
What is Ainsworth’s maternal sensitivity hypothesis?
The child’s attachment type is dependent on the behaviour their mother shows towards them
How has the Strange Situation proved to be a valid judge of attachment?
Attachment type is proven to be strongly predictive of later development - Ward found that insecure-resistant attachment is more likely to result in adult mental health problems
How are the judgements reliable?
The Strange Situation has strong inter rater reliability - 94% of judgements were agreed by different observers
