Cultural variations in attachment

Question 1

Describe the study by Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg (1988)

Answer 1

• Meta-analysis of 32 studies from 8 counties that has used SS: over 1990 infants
• Secure attachment most common
• Germany higher level insecure avoidant
• Israel and Japan = higher insecure resistant (collectivist)
• Variation within cultures 150% greater than between cultures e.g. USA type B: 46-90%

Question 2

Describe Simonelli et al (2014) research

Answer 2

• Assessed 76 12 months old using SS
• 50% secure, 36% avoidant (lower than previous)
• Reflection of Mothers working longer hours and using professional childcare

Question 3

What is the importance of secure attachment being most common?

Answer 3

• Support Bowlby that attachment is innate and universal
• Support that secure attachment is most optimal for healthy development
• Cultural changes can make dramatic differences in attachment patterns

Question 4

Evaluations

Answer 4

+ Indigenous researchers: Grossman (Germany), Takahashi (Japan)

+ Standardised procedure = replicable and consistent

• Confounding variables = room size, social class, poverty, toys available
• Imposed etic approach: relies on assumption that willingness to explore = secure
  Grossman: lack of anxiety and responsiveness = independent not insecure
  Westernised: not representative