Attachments L7-11 Flashcards
What is type of attachment and how is it tested?
Type of attachment is a term used to test the strength of the attachment relationship there is between the infant and caregiver.
It is tested using the strange situation.
Strange situation procedure
The procedure consists of 7 episodes each designed to highlight certain behaviours. The method used is a controlled observation in a lab setting.
Beginning of strange situation
Parent and baby enter an unfamiliar room
Strange situation episode 1
Parent sits while infant plays as infant is encouraged to explore.
Use of parent as secure base and exploration behaviour.
Strange situation episode 2
Stranger enters, talks to parent and approaches infant
Stranger anxiety
Strange situation episode 3
Parent leaves the room so the infant and stranger are together
Separation anxiety and stranger anxiety
Strange situation episode 4
Parent returns, offers comfort to infant if needed, stranger leaves
Reunion behaviour and exploration/secure base
Strange situation episode 5
Parent leaves - infant is alone
Separation anxiety and stranger
Strange situation episode 6
Stranger enters and offers comfort
Stranger anxiety
Strange situation episode 7
Parent returns, greets infant and offers comfort
Reunion behaviour
Data collection in strange situation
Data is collected by a group of observers who record what the infant is doing every 15 seconds. Observer notes down which behaviour is displayed and scores the behaviour for intensity on a scale of 1 to 7.
Behaviours assessed in strange situation
- Proximity and contact-seeking behaviours
- Contact-maintaining behaviours
- Proximity and interaction-avoiding behaviours
- Contact and interaction-resisting behaviours
- Search behaviours
Findings of strange situation
Secure (type B)
High willingness to explore
High stranger anxiety
Separation anxiety- some easy to soothe
Enthusiastic behaviour at reunion with caregiver
66% of infants were in this category
Findings of strange situation
Insecure Avoidant (type A)
High willingness to explore
Low stranger anxiety
Separation anxiety- indifferent
Avoids contact at reunion with caregiver
22% of infants were in this category
Findings of strange situation
Insecure Resistant (type C)
Low willingness to explore
High stranger anxiety
Separation anxiety- distressed
Seeks and rejects contact at reunion with caregiver
12% of infants were in this category
Weaknesses of the Strange Situation
- Fails to measure other types of attachment (insecure-disorganised type D)
- Ethical issues (possible psychological harm to the infants)
- Concerns with ecological and population validity
Strengths of the strange situation
- High reliability
- Real world application
