schaffers stages of attachment Flashcards
What was the sample size of the study conducted by Schaffer and Emerson?
60 babies
Consisted of 31 boys and 29 girls.
What was the demographic background of the babies studied?
All from Glasgow and working-class skilled families
How often were the babies observed during the study?
Once a month for 12 months, then again at 18 months
What was the purpose of asking mothers about their babies’ protests?
To measure the babies’ attachment
What are the four stages of attachment identified by Schaffer and Emerson?
- Asocial stage
- Indiscriminate attachment
- Specific attachment
- Multiple attachments
Describe the Asocial stage of attachment.
First few weeks; behaviour towards people and objects are similar; not completely asocial; babies show signs of wanting to be with other people
What characterizes the Indiscriminate attachment stage?
Ages 2-7 months; prefer humans to objects; recognize and prefer familiar people; accept comfort from anyone; no separation anxiety
What happens during the Specific attachment stage?
From 7 months; attachment to one person (primary attachment figure); displays separation and stranger anxiety
What is the primary attachment figure (PAF)?
The person who responds best to the baby’s cues and offers the most interaction; usually the mother (65% of the time)
What occurs in the Multiple attachments stage?
Shortly after stage 3; babies extend attachment behaviours to other regularly seen people; these are called secondary attachments
What percentage of babies formed secondary attachments within a month of forming primary ones?
29%
What is a strength of Schaffer and Emerson’s research?
Good external validity; parents made observations, allowing for natural behaviour
What is a limitation of the research regarding the observers?
Mothers may be biased and less objective in their observations
Why is the asocial stage hard to interpret?
Babies may be more social than asocial
What is a practical application of Schaffer and Emerson’s findings?
Starting child care during stages 1 and 2 is better than starting in stage 3
