Attachment - Types of attachment/Ainsworth's strange situation

Question 1

Strange situation

Answer 1

• Observe key attachment behaviours as a means of assessing quality of baby’s attachment to caregiver
• Procedure included:
  > Baby encoraged to explore
  > Stranger comes, talks to caregiver and approaches baby
  > Caregiver leaves baby with stranger
  > Caregiver returns, stranger leaves
  > Caregiver leaves baby alone
  > Stranger returned
  > Baby reunited with caregiver

Question 2

Secure attachment

Answer 2

• Most desirable attachment
• Associated with healthy outcomes
• Shows moderate stranger and separation anxiety, finds comfort at reunion

Question 3

Insecure-avoidant attachment

Answer 3

• Low anxiety, weak attachment
• Low stranger anxiety and separation anxiety
• Little to no response at reunion and can ignore caregiver

Question 4

Insecure-resistant attachment

Answer 4

• Strong attachment and high anxiety
• High levels of stranger anxiety and separation
• Often angry and resistant to comfort at reunion