Schaffer and Emerson Flashcards
What was the aim of Schaffer and Emerson’s study
To investigate the formation of early attachments (in particular the age they were formed)
What was the method of Schaffer and Emerson’s study
Observed 60 (31m 29f) Galsweigan babies for 18 months. Mothers/babies were visited once a month for a year and again at 18 months. Parents were asked to observe children and report back in different circumstances e.g separation anxiety, stranger anxiety
What were the findings of Schaffer and Emerson’s study
Most infants showed separation protest at 6-8 months, with stranger anxiety a month later.
Stronger attachments resulted in parents who responded to the child’s needs quickly, effectively and often
87% of children had multiple attachments at 18 months, 31% had 5 more
39% of infants main attachments were not the main carer
What conclusions can be drawn from Schaffer and Emerson’s study
Everyone goes through same attachment process, so biological and not learned
More sensitive parent = stronger attachment. Not only main parent
Idea of important multiple attachments refutes Bowlby’s idea that their not important
What were Schaffer’s 4 stages of attachment
Asocial stage (0-5 weeks)
Indiscriminate attachment stage (2-7 months)
Specific attachment stage (7-11 months)
Multiple attachments (11+ months)
What does the Asocial stage of attachment consist of
Similar responses to objects and people e.g. smiling + laughing. No preference for specific people but towards the end of this stage they show a preference for social stimuli (e.g. a smiling face)
What does the Indiscriminate attachment stage consist of
Babies become more sociable, can tell people apart + prefer to be in human company. They can distinguish between familiar + unfamiliar people, but are still relatively easily comforted by anyone. Infants in this stage do not show stranger anxiety
What does the specific attachment stage consist of
Infants begin to show separation anxiety and stranger anxiety. They show a strong attachment and preference to one individual (normally the mother). However, good subsequent attachments often made from 9mths
What does the multiple attachments stage consist of
The baby now makes several attachments to important people in their life. Such as the father. Infants also display separation anxiety in these secondary attachments
What type of study is Schaffer and Emerson’s
Longitudinal
Define multiple attachment
having more than one attachment figure
Define primary attachment figure
the person who has formed the closest bond with the child, demonstrated by the intensity of the relationship (usually mother)
Define separation anxiety
distress shown by the infant when separated from caregiver
Define stranger anxiety
distress shown by infant when approached or picked up by someone unfamiliar
What are the positive evaluation points of Schaffer and Emerson’s study/attachment theory
Research support - Schaffer and Emerson’s study supports specific and multiple attachment stage (6-8 months - 13% had single attachment)
Practical applications - used to measure infant behaviour, and help identify early abnormal development and intervene
Longitudinal - same children were observed which eliminates individual differences as confounding variable and increases internal validity
