Strange Situation-types of attachment *

Question 1

Ainsworth :strange situation

Answer 1

• observe key attachment behaviours to assess quality of attachment to caregiver

Question 2

Procedure:

Answer 2

• controlled, uses 2 way mirror, 7eps each 3 mins
1)baby encouraged to explore
2)stranger talks to caregiver, approaches baby
3) stranger and baby left together
4)caregiver returns, stranger leaves
5) caregiver leaves baby alone
6) stranger returns
7) caregiver returns
• proximity to mother, exploration/safe base, separation anxiety, stranger anxiety,reunion

Question 3

Findings:

Answer 3

• type A- insecure-avoidant attachment-66%
• Type B-secure attachment-22%
• Type C-insecure resistant attachment 12%

Question 4

Secure attachment

Answer 4

explore regularly but will go back to caregiver reg. mod sep and strange anxiety + ease of comfort at reunion

Question 5

Insecure avoidant

Answer 5

Little reaction when leaves and little contact upon return. Low stranger and sep anxiety. Little response to reunion

Question 6

Insecure resistant

Answer 6

seek then reject social interaction. Sep=intense distress but resistant to comfort upon return. High stranger and sep anxiety

Question 7

Support for validity

Answer 7

• strange situation is predictive of later development. ‘Secure’ =better life outcomes. ‘Insecure resistant’ =worse life outcome-bullying, mental health issues

Question 8

Counterpoint

Answer 8

• measures anxiety- unfamiliar environment
• Genetically influenced personality type is more influence than attachment. If this is measured it doesn’t purely measure attachment

Question 9

Good reliability

Answer 9

• very good inter-rater reliabitity- agreement between observers.
• May be bc strict controlled conditions as easier to observe
• Agreement 94%

Question 10

Test may be culture bound

Answer 10

• different meanings in other countries- developed in UK+US.
• takahashi- it does not work in Japan as babies are rarely sep from mom so high sep anxiety

Question 11

At least one more type

Answer 11

• Main and Solomon identified 4th- disorganised attachment(type D)mix of resistant and avoidant
• unusual- neglect and abuse, most develop with psychological disorders