Schaffer: Stages of Attachment

Question 1

Theory

Answer 1

. Diary kept by mothers to examine evidence

3 measures recorded:
Stranger anxiety = response to arrival of stranger
Separation anxiety = distress level when separated and comfort needed on return
Social referencing = child looks at carer to check how should respond to something new

Question 2

Study

Answer 2

. 60 babies in Glasgow, first 18 months of life using longitudinal method

. Children visited monthly for approximately one year and interactions analysed to distinguish when infants started showing separation anxiety

Results = attachments most likely to form with carers who were sensitive to babies signals, rather than how much time spent
. Mothers main attachment for roughly 1/2, father for most of the others

. Showed being sensitive and responsive are more instrumental in attachment than physical care

Question 3

Attachment Stages:
Asocial Stage (0-6 weeks)

Answer 3

Similar responses to objects and people. Preference for faces/eyes

Question 4

Attachment Stages:
Indiscriminate Attachments (6 weeks - 6 months)

Answer 4

Preference to human company, distinguish between people, comforted indiscriminately

Question 5

Attachment Stages
Specific (7 months+)

Answer 5

Preference for 1 caregiver, displaying separation and stranger anxiety. Baby looks at particular people for comfort

Question 6

Attachment Stages
Multiple (10/11 months+)

Answer 6

Attachment behaviours are displayed towards several people

Question 7

Evaluation

Answer 7

. Not Representative = 60 white MC babies in Glasgow
. High Ecological Validity = studied in own homes
. Cannot study Asocial stage