schaffers stages of attachment

Question 1

stage 1: asocial stage
when is it

Answer 1

behaviour towards humans and inanimate objects is similar
start to show signs they prefer to be with other people
show a preference for company of familar people are are more easily comforted by them
bonds start to form, which form basis of later attachments
begins at infancy

Question 2

stage 2 indiscriminate attachment
when is it

Answer 2

start to display obvious social behaviour
clear preference for humans over inanimate objects
recognise and prefer company of familar people
still accept comfort from any person
do not usually show seperation anxiety or stranger anxiety
2-7months

Question 3

stage 3 specific attachment
when is it

Answer 3

baby starts to display classic signs of attachment towards one particular person, signs include anxiety directed towards strangers (stranger anxiety) especially when attachment figure is absent and anxiety when attachment figure is absent
baby has now formed a specific attachment to one person. not always individual who spends most time with infant but one who offers most interaction and responds with the most skill, usually mother in 65% cases
approx 7 months

Question 4

stage 4: multiple attachments
when is it

Answer 4

shortly after a baby shows attachment behaviours towards one person they extend this behaviour to multiple attachments-secondary attachments
29% of children form secondary attachments within a month of forming a primary attachment