The Strange Situation

Mary Ainsworth et al (1978)

Ainsworth & Bell (1971)D Rice et al (2000) Psychology in Focus AS Level Ormskirk Causeway

AIMS

• To describe and assess the attachment relationship between caregiver and infant (Ainsworth et al (1978))

• Attachment – A relatively enduring emotional bond to a specific person.

Procedure(Ainsworth and Bell assessed about 100 American infants and their

primary caregivers)

1. Observer shows caregiver and infant into the experimental room and then leaves.

2. Caregiver sits and watches child play.

3. Stranger enters, silent at first, then talks to caregiver, then interacts with infant. Caregiver leaves the room.

4. First separation. Stranger tries to interact with infant.

5. First reunion. Caregiver comforts child, stranger leaves. Caregiver then leaves.

6. Second separation. Child alone.

7. Stranger enters and tries to interact with child

8. Second reunion. Caregiver comforts child, stranger leaves.

Results% Type of

AttachmentDescription Mother’s

behaviour

20 Insecure Avoidant Unconcerned by mother’s absence. Unresponsive on return. Strongly avoidant of mother and stranger.

Unresponsive.

Child feels unloved and rejected.

70 Secure Upset, subdued when mother leaves. Happy on reunion. Avoidant of stranger when mother not there, but OK when present

Sensitive & Responsive.

Child feels positive and loved.

10 Insecure Resistant Intense distress on separation. Fear of stranger. Clingy and rejecting on return.

Inconsistent .

Child feels angry and confused.

Conclusion

• The primary caregiver’s behaviour determines the attachment style of the child. A sensitive primary caregiver leads to a securely attached child. Insecure attachment will lead to problems in later life.

Criticisms

• The Strange Situation is a standardised procedure and has been repeated many times.

• The measurement of attachment is based on more then one behaviour e.g. several separations and reunions.

• Early identification of attachment problems could mean earlier intervention and the prevention of later problems.

• The Strange Situation lacks validity because it is a ‘strange situation’ to the child.

• There are cultural variations in child rearing techniques and this study was originally based on an American sample.

• Ethics!! Distressing for the child and caregiver.