Ainsworths Attachment Types

Question 1

What were the behaviors Ainsworth identified that indicated attachment strength?

Answer 1

• proximity to mother
• exploration/safe base behavior
• stranger and separation anxiety
• reunion response
• sensitive responsiveness

Question 2

What are the three attachment types

Answer 2

Insecure Avoidant (Type A)
Secure (type B)
Insecure resistant (type C)

Question 3

What is insecure Avoidant (type A) attachment

Answer 3

• explore freely but not mother as safe base
• low stranger and separation anxiety
• when mum returns they don’t attempt to get comfort
• mothers show little sensitive responsiveness to infants needs

Question 4

What is Secure (type B) attachment

Answer 4

• mother as safe base and explore freely
• moderate stranger and separation anxiety
• happy reunion response
• mothers show consistent sensitive responsiveness

Question 5

What is Insecure resistant (type C) attachment

Answer 5

• don’t explore, clingy to mother
• high stranger and separation anxiety
• ambivalent on mums return - crave and reject her attention
• mothers show inconsistent sensitive responsiveness