Types of attachment Flashcards
What is Ainsworth’s ‘Strange Situation’?
A controlled observation procedure to assess attachment behaviors of a baby towards a caregiver.
What is the main purpose of the ‘Strange Situation’ procedure?
To observe the security of attachment a baby displays towards a caregiver.
What type of environment is used in the ‘Strange Situation’?
A laboratory setting with a two-way mirror and/or cameras for observation.
Define proximity-seeking in the context of attachment.
A behavior where a baby stays close to a caregiver, indicating a good quality attachment.
What behaviors are used to judge attachment quality in the ‘Strange Situation’?
- Exploration and secure-base behavior
- Stranger anxiety
- Separation anxiety
- Response to reunion
How does a securely attached baby behave during exploration?
They explore confidently using their caregiver as a secure base.
What is stranger anxiety?
Anxiety displayed by a baby when approached by a stranger, indicating attachment.
What is separation anxiety?
Protest exhibited by a baby when separated from their caregiver.
How do securely attached babies respond to reunion with their caregiver?
They greet the caregiver’s return with pleasure and seek comfort.
How many episodes are in the ‘Strange Situation’ procedure?
Seven episodes.
What is the first episode in the ‘Strange Situation’?
The caregiver and baby enter an unfamiliar playroom.
What is tested in the second episode of the ‘Strange Situation’?
Stranger anxiety.
What behavior is tested when the caregiver leaves the baby alone?
Separation anxiety.
According to Ainsworth et al. (1978), what are the three main types of attachment?
- Secure attachment (Type B)
- Insecure-avoidant attachment (Type A)
- Insecure-resistant attachment (Type C)
Describe secure attachment (Type B).
Babies explore happily, show moderate separation distress, and accept comfort from the caregiver.
What percentage of British babies are classified as securely attached?
About 60-75%.
Describe insecure-avoidant attachment (Type A).
Babies explore freely, show little reaction to caregiver leaving, and avoid contact upon reunion.
What percentage of British babies are classified as insecure-avoidant?
About 20-25%.
Describe insecure-resistant attachment (Type C).
Babies seek greater proximity, explore less, show high distress, but resist comfort upon reunion.
What percentage of British babies are classified as insecure-resistant?
Around 3%.
