Attachment - Schaffer and Emerson Stages of Attachment

Question 1

Schaffer and Emerson Longitudinal study

Answer 1

Method:
- Observed 60 infants from Glasgow from 6 weeks to 18 months
- Visited families every 4 weeks
- Interviewed primary caregivers
-Measured separation anxiety and stranger distress

Findings:
- 50% showed separation anxiety at 25-32 weeks
- 80% had specific attachments by 40 weeks
- Attachment linked to interactive and sensitive caregiving

Question 2

Stage 1: Asocial stage

Answer 2

Age: 0-6 weeks
- Infants form bonds with anyone or anything
- Respond to humans and objects alike

Question 3

Stage 2: Indiscriminate attachment

Answer 3

Age: 6 weeks - 7 months
- Preference for human company develops
- Still respond positively to strangers
- Seek social interaction with familiar adults

Question 4

Stage 3: Specific attachment

Answer 4

Age: 7-9 months
- Strong bonds with primary caregivers form
- Separation and stranger anxiety emerge
- Actively seek attachment figures when distressed

Question 5

Stage 4: Multiple attachments

Answer 5

Age: 10-18 months
- Form attachments with multiple individuals
- Can tolerate brief separations from primary caregiver
- Still rely on primary attachment figure for support

Question 6

Strengths of the research

Answer 6

-High ecological validity
- Observations in natural home settings
- Reflects everyday behaviours

Question 7

Limitations of the research

Answer 7

• Reliance on self-report data
• Potential for socially desirable responses
• Limited sample (one area, one social class)
• May not generalise to other populations

Question 8

Cultural considerations

Answer 8

• Stages may not apply to all cultures
• Some cultures have multiple caregivers from birth
• Attachment patterns may vary across contexts

Question 9

Implications and future research

Answer 9

• Informs understanding of early social development
• Highlights importance of responsive caregiving
• Need for cross-cultural studies on attachment