Types of Attachment: Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Flashcards
(11 cards)
What was the purpose of Ainsworth’s Strange Situation?
To assess the quality of attachment between a baby and caregiver through controlled observation.
How many episodes are there in the Strange Situation?
Seven episodes including caregiver and stranger entering/leaving to observe the baby’s reactions.
What 5 behaviors are observed in the Strange Situation?
Proximity-seeking, Exploration and secure-base behavior, Stranger anxiety, Separation anxiety, Response to reunion.
What is Secure Attachment (Type B)?
The baby explores but checks in with the caregiver, shows moderate anxiety, and is comforted on reunion.
What is Insecure-Avoidant Attachment (Type A)?
The baby explores freely, avoids seeking proximity, and shows little/no anxiety or comfort on reunion.
What is Insecure-Resistant Attachment (Type C)?
The baby seeks closeness, explores less, shows high anxiety, and resists comfort when reunited.
Why does the Strange Situation have good predictive validity?
Secure attachment links to better outcomes (e.g., success in school), while insecure-resistant links to more issues.
Why does the Strange Situation have good inter-rater reliability?
Controlled conditions and clear behavior categories led to high observer agreement.
What is a limitation regarding what the Strange Situation measures?
It may measure genetic anxiety rather than attachment (Kagan, 1982).
What is the culture-bound test criticism of the Strange Situation?
Cultural differences (e.g., Japanese babies) affect behaviors, making results not always valid cross-culturally.
What is Disorganised Attachment (Type D)?
A mix of avoidant and resistant behaviors, often seen in abused or neglected children (Main & Solomon, 1986).
