Stages Of Attachment

Question 1

Who developed the four stages of attachment?

Answer 1

Rudolf Schaffer and Peggy Emerson in 1964.

Question 2

What is the first stage of attachment?

Answer 2

Asocial stage. 0-6 weeks.

An infant shows similar responses to objects and people, although they do display a slight preference for face/eyes.

Question 3

What is the second stage of attachment?

Answer 3

Indiscriminate attachment. 2-7 months.

An infant now shows a preference for human company over non human company. They also have the ability to distinguish between different people, but are comforted by anyone.

Question 4

What is the third stage of attachment?

Answer 4

Specific attachment. 7-9 months.

An infant shows a preference for one caregiver, displaying separation and stranger anxiety. The infant looks to a particular person for security, comfort, and protection.

Question 5

What is the fourth stage of attachment?

Answer 5

Multiple attachments. 9 months+.

Attachment behaviours are now displayed towards several different people, eg siblings, grandparents, etc.

Question 6

What are the strengths of Schaffer and Emerson’s research?

Answer 6

• large sample of 60 makes it generalizable to a wider population.
• males + females reduces risk of gender bias.
• natural environment and everyday activities increases external validity.

Question 7

What are the limitations of Schaffer and Emerson’s research?

Answer 7

• babies actions and behaviours are open to interpretation which could result in incorrect conclusions.
• self report from parents could lead to social desirability bias.
• only from Glasgow and working class families - may not be generalizable to other classes or regions/countries.