Stages of attachment Flashcards
What was Schaffer and Emerson’s research?
Stages are based on longitudinal observational study of 60 Glasgow babies
What are the 4 stages of attachment?
Asocial stage, indiscriminate attachment, specific attachment and multiple attachments
What is the asocial stage?
Similar behaviour towards objects and humans but prefers humans.
When does the asocial stage occur?
In the first few weeks
When does indiscriminate attachment occur?
2 to 7 months
What is indiscriminate attachment?
When infants have a definite preference for humans and some recognition
When does specific attachment occur?
From 7 months
What is specific attachment?
Attachment to one adult and stranger and separation anxiety has developed
When do multiple attachments form?
Shortly after specific attachment
What are multiple attachments?
When infants display separation anxiety towards other caregivers too
What are strengths of Schaffer and Emerson’s research?
Good external validity as mothers observed babies so not stressed trying to be observed, good external and ecological validity as observed in naturalistic environment and practical applications as its advice for when children go to daycare
What are limitations of Schaffer and Emerson’s research?
Mothers may not have accurately noted behaviour due to social desires if feel bad about behaviour, poor evidence for asocial stag as babies have poor coordination so may seem asocial (internal validity?) and low generalisability as data gathered in 1960s working-class Glasgow
