Types of attachment Flashcards
Who developed the ‘Strange Situation’ and why?
Mary Ainsworth (1969) as a method to assess the quality of child’s attachment to a caregiver
Where did the Strange Situation take place?
In a room with controlled conditions (lab) with a two-way mirror and/or camera so the psychologist can observe the baby’s behaviour
Explain the procedure of the Strange Situation
The caregiver and baby enter the room
The caregiver encourages the baby to explore
A stranger enters, talks to the caregiver and approaches the baby
The caregiver leaves so the baby and stranger are left together
The caregiver returns and the stranger leaves
The caregiver leaves so the baby is alone
The stranger returns
The caregiver returns and is reunited with the baby
What does the caregiver initially encouraging the baby to explore while they’re in there test?
Exploration/ secure base
What does the stranger initially entering test?
Stranger anxiety
When the caregiver leaves the baby and the stranger alone together, what does it test?
Separation anxiety and stranger anxiety
What is tested when the caregiver returns?
Reunion behaviour
What is being tested when the caregiver leaves so the baby is alone?
Separation anxiety
What is being tested when the baby is alone and then the stranger returns?
Stranger anxiety
What did Ainsworth find from this experiment?
She found that there were distinct patterns in the way babies behaved. She identified 3 main types of attachment: Type A, B and C
Describe type B attachment
Secure attachment
60-75% of British toddlers
Happy to explore but seek proximity with caregiver (secure base)
Shows moderate separation anxiety and stranger anxiety
Requires and accepts comfort from caregiver on return
Which type of attachment is secure attachment?
Type B
What percent of British toddlers have type B attachment (secure attachment)
60-75%
Describe exploration and proximity shown in babies with type B attachment
Happy to explore but seek proximity with caregiver
Describe stranger and seperation anxiety in type B attachment
Moderate stranger and separation anxiety
