Schaffer’s Stages Of Attatchment

Question 1

State the 4 stages of attatchment

Answer 1

1. Asocial (birth- 2 months)
2. Indiscriminate (2- 6 months)
3. Discriminate (7- 12 months)
4. Multiple (1 year onwards)

Question 2

Describe the asocial stage

Answer 2

Infant shows similar responses to objects and people

Question 3

Describe the indiscriminate attachment stage

Answer 3

• infant shows preference for human company over non- human behaviour
• can distinguish ish between humans but comforted by anyone (no stranger anxiety)

Question 4

Describe the discriminate attachment stage

Answer 4

Infant shows preference for one caregiver and shows separation and stranger anxiety. Show joy upon reunion and comforted by primary caregiver.

Question 5

Describe multiple attachments stage

Answer 5

Form attachments with several different people- secondary attachments

Question 6

Which study showed support for the stages of attachment

Answer 6

Schaffer and Emerson (1964)

Question 7

Describe the procedure and findings of Schaffer and Emerson study (1964)

Answer 7

• studied 60 babies from Glasgow, working class families
• babies and mother visited at home every months for 1st year and at 18 months
• mothers asked about separation and stranger anxiety
• 50% babies showed separation anxiety to usually the mother at 25-32 weeks
• 40 weeks- 80% has specific attachment, 30% had multiple attachments

Question 8

What is an issue with the sample used in the Schaffer and Emerson study

Answer 8

It is not representative of the wider population- families are all from Glasgow and working class

Question 9

State another issue with the Schaffer and Emerson study other than the unrepresentative sample

Answer 9

It was carried out in the 1960’s and a lot has changed in terms of caregiver stances