Stages of Attachment Flashcards
Who came up with the Stages of Attachment
Schaffer and Emerson in 1964
What was the procedure of Schaffer and Emersons study
They conducted a longitudinal study on 60 new born babies and their mothers form a working-class area of Glasgow. They were studies at monthly intervals for the first 18 months of life. Babies were studied in their own homes and interactions with care givers was observed. Mothers were interviewed about the babies responses.
What are the problems with Schaffer and Emersons study
- Only studies babies from one area (working class Glasgow) so it cannot be generalized
- Babies are in their own homes so its is realistic but lacks external validity
- Interviewing mothers can cause social desirability bias
What is a longitudinal study
Observed overtime at set intervals
What are the Stages of Attachment and when are they
Stage 1 - Asocial (0-8 weeks)
Stage 2 - Indiscriminate (2-7 months)
Stage 3 - Specific Attachment (7-12 months)
Stage 4 - Multiple attachments (1 year plus)
What is the Asocial stage of attachment and what behavior’s are associated
(0-8 weeks)
- Infants show no preference between human and inanimate objects
- No attachment formed
- Towards the end of the stage the baby shows preference to humans e.g. reciprocity and interactional synchrony is shown
Behaviors:
- Behaviors between human and non-human objects are similar
- smile at anyone
What is the Indiscriminate stage of attachment and what behaviors are associated
(2-7 months)
- Infants show a clear preference to humans
- Recognize and refer company of familiar people
- Do not usually show signs of Separation anxiety or stranger anxiety
Behaviors :
- Recognize and prefer familiar people
- They will accept comfort from any adult
What is the specific attachment stage of attachment and what behaviors are associated
(7-12 months)
- Primary attachment formed
- Infant shows separation and stranger anxiety (when caregiver leaves)
- Primary attachment is formed with the caregiver who is the most sensitive and responsive to the babies signals
- 65% mum, 3% Dad, Other = Both
Behavior:
- Shows separation and stranger anxiety
- Primary attachment to one particular individual
- use familiar adults as secure base
What is the multiple attachment stage of attachment and what behaviours are associated
(1+years)
- Once an infant forms a primary attachment they form secondary attachments
e.g. siblings, grandparents, childminders etc
Behaviour:
- Forms secondary attachments with familiar adults with whom they spend time with
What can you use to evaluate the stages of attachment
- Validity
- Longitudinal study
- Real-world application
- Biased sample
How would you evaluate the stages of attachment
(Validity)
The Schaffer study was carried out in the families own homes and most observations were done by parents meaning the behaviour of the babies due to the researcher being there is limited. gaining good external validity
However, mums were interviewed so it can cause social desirability bias and its in a natural setting so cannot be standardised
How would you evaluate the stages of attachment
(Longitudinal study)
The same children were followed up and observed regularly meaning they have high internal validity and participant variables will not effect the study
However a longitudinal study is a cross-sectional design where you observe different children at each age
How would you evaluate the stages of attachment
(Real-world application)
Practical application when children are sent to Nursery
- In Asocial and Indiscriminate stages nursery is likely to be straight forward as the infant can be comforted by anyone.
- In multiple attachment it is good as the infant can form secondary attachments
Parents can use these stages to decide when it is best to send their children to nursery
Who is the primary attachment usually formed with
The caregiver who is the most sensitive and responsive to the babies signals
