stages of attachment

Question 1

Schaffer and Emerson 1964 aim

Answer 1

• to investigate the formation of early attachments, esp when they develop their emotional intensity

Question 2

procedure

Answer 2

• 60 babes 31 males 29 females
  -working class family in Glasgow scotland
• families were visited in their homes every month, mothers were asked about infants behaviour e.g serrate distress or strange anxiety

Question 3

findings

Answer 3

• 25-32 weeks, 50% of infants showed specific attachment to an adult (usually the mother)
• 40 weeks, 80% had specific attachment, 30% had multiple attachments

Question 4

conclusion

Answer 4

attachment forms in 4 different stages

Question 5

stage 1

Answer 5

asocial stage

• 0-8 weeks
• similar behaviours between humans and inanimate objects,
• not fully asocial though as babies show some preference for familiar adults,
• are happy in presence of other humans

Question 6

stage 2

Answer 6

indiscriminate

2 - 7 months
- show preference for people rather than objects
-recognise/ prefer familiar adults
- accept cuddles and comfort from any adult
- dont usually show separating/stranger anxiety

Question 7

stage 3

Answer 7

specific

7-12 months
- show anxiety towards strangers
- become anxious when separated from one particular adult (65% of case this is mother)
- they have formed specific attachment with a primary attachment figure

Question 8

stage 4

Answer 8

multiple

1 year and above

-after specific attachment has been formed, babies with show attachment behaviour to multiple adults who they regularly spend time with, secondary attachments
- almost 1/3 had secondary attachments within forming specific attachment