Types Of Attachment

Question 1

What are the characteristics of insecure-avoidant attachment?

Answer 1

1. When separated from caregiver, the child doesn’t become particularly distressed.
2. Can usually be comforted by a stranger.
3. This type of attachment is shown by children who generally avoid social interaction and intimacy with others.

Question 2

What are the characteristics of insecure-resistant attachment type?

Answer 2

1. The child is uneasy around the caregiver.
2. Becomes upset when separated from the caregiver.
3. Cannot be comforted by strangers (sometimes can’t be comforted by caregiver)

Question 3

What is the strange situation?

Answer 3

Mary Ainsworth came up with the concept of the strange situation. She used it to assess how children react under conditions of stress (from separation from the caregiver and presence of a stranger) and also to new situations.

Question 4

Describe the characteristics found in the Ainsworth study of a securely attached child
(Type -?)

Answer 4

Type B.

1. The attachment figure has a strong sensitive responsiveness- the safe base meaning they explore the room freely.
2. High level of stranger/separation anxiety.
3. Easily soothed by their mother .

Question 5

Describe the characteristics found in the Ainsworth study of a insecure-avoidant child
(Type -?)

Answer 5

Type A.

1. Do not orientate to their attachment figure while investigating their environment.
2. They do not seek proximity.
3. They’re very independent both emotionally and physically.

Question 6

Describe the characteristics found in the Ainsworth study of a insecure-resistant child
(Type -?)

Answer 6

Type C.

1. They wouldn’t explore as they’re afraid the parent will leave.
2. Clingy and dependant behaviour but will reject attachment figure when they engage in interaction.
3. When reunited they’re very angry at mother will either attack her or ignore her as a form of punishment.

Question 7

What did Ainsworths study find?

Answer 7

Type B was the most common form of attachment. (70%)

Type A & C were equally found (15%)

Question 8

What was Van Izjendoorn and Kroonenbergs study?

Answer 8

They carried out a meta analysis of 32 studies of the strange situation in different countries. They were analyses to find any overall patterns.

Question 9

What was Takahashis study?

Answer 9

He conducted Mary Ainsworths study on Japanese families.

Question 10

What were the results of Takahashis study?

Answer 10

He found that all of the Japanese infants were very distressed by being left alone.

Question 11

What are the characteristics of a secure attachment?

Answer 11

1. A strong bond between the child and their caregiver.
2. Distress when separated from mother.
3. Easily comforted by the caregiver once reunited.
4. Secure attachments are associated with a healthy cognitive, social and emotional development.

Question 12

What are the two types of attachment?

Answer 12

Secure & insecure attachment