Stages of Human Attachment (Shaffer and Emerson)

Question 1

What are the 4 stages of attachment

Answer 1

1) Asocial: The child does not have an understanding on social behaviors or people and cannot differentiate between animate or inanimate
2) Indiscriminate Attachment: Without judgement, the infant enjoys all social interactions and company (1) and tends to get upset when lacking attention
3) Specific Attachment: Prefers a single attachment figure for security, comfort and protection (1), fears strangers (2) and separation from care-giver (3)
4) Multiple Attachment: Many attachments to mother, father and friends (1) and becomes increasingly independent

Question 2

At what age do the different stages of attachment occur

Answer 2

Asocial: 0-6 weeks
Indiscriminate: 6 weeks - 7 months
Specific: 7 - 9 months
Multiple: 10 months and onwards

Question 3

Define ‘separation anxiety,’

Answer 3

Separation anxiety is when a child is separated from their primary caregiver, the adult whom the child associates the strongest attachment with.

Question 4

Define stranger anxiety

Answer 4

Stranger anxiety is when a child is uncomfortable with the presence of a stranger or an adult. This is typical in 7 to 9 months of the infants development