The Strange Situation Flashcards
(14 cards)
Why did ainsworth complete this observation?
To measure the security of attachment a baby displays towards a caregiver
Where was the experiment conducted?
At John Hopkins university- Western
What behaviours were observed?
Proximity seeking
Exploration and secure-base behaviours
Stranger anxiety
Separation anxiety
Response to reunion
How many episodes were there and how long did they last?
7 episodes
Each lasted 3 minutes
What happens once the caregiver and baby enter an unfamiliar playroom
1) the baby is encouraged to explore
2) a stranger comes in, talks to the caregiver and approaches the baby
3) the caregiver leaves the baby and stranger together
4) the caregiver returns and the stranger leaves
5) the caregiver leaves the baby alone
6) the stranger returns
7) the caregiver returns and is reunited with the baby
Type A?
Insecure avoidant
They explore freely- dont seek proximity or show secure base behaviours
Show little/no reaction when caregiver leaves and little stranger anxiety
Make little effort to make contact when caregiver returns
20-25% of US babies are type A
Type B?
Secure attachment
Explore happily- regularly go back to PCG (show secure-base behaviour and proximity seeing)
Show moderate separation distress and moderate stranger anxiety
Require and accept comfort from the caregiver in the reunion stage
60-75% of US babies
Type C?
Insecure resistant
Seek greater proximity than others- explore less
High levels of stranger and separation distress but they resist comfort when reunited with caregiver
3% of US babies
How many studies of attachment looked at it in the meta analaysis?
32
How many countries used in the meta analysis?
8 countries
How many children used in the meta analysis?
1990 children
Findings of meta analysis?
Type B was most common in all countries
In individualist cultures, type C was similar to Ainsworth’s original sample
Variations between studies conducted in the same countries were 150% greater than those between countries
Eastern collectivist countries?
Higher type C
Western Individualist countries?
Higher type A
