Understanding Infant Attachment Through the Strange Situation Experiment
The Strange Situation experiment conducted by Mary Ainsworth et al. in 1978 aimed to describe and evaluate the attachment relationship between caregivers and infants. The study involved observing caregiver-infant interactions through separations and reunions to classify attachment types such as secure, insecure avoidant, and insecure resistant. The results highlighted the impact of the caregiver's behavior on the child's attachment style, emphasizing the importance of a sensitive primary caregiver in fostering secure attachments. However, the study faced criticisms regarding standardization, cultural variations, and ethical concerns.
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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. 5. First reunion. Caregiver comforts child, stranger leaves. Caregiver then leaves. 2. Caregiver sits and watches child play. Stranger enters, silent at first, then talks to caregiver, then interacts with infant. Caregiver leaves the room. First separation. Stranger tries to interact with infant. 6. Second separation. Child alone. 7. Stranger enters and tries to interact with child 8. Second reunion. Caregiver comforts child, stranger leaves. 3. 4.
Results Type of Attachment Description % Mother s behaviour 20 Insecure Avoidant Unconcerned by mother s absence. Unresponsive on return. Strongly avoidant of mother and stranger. Upset, subdued when mother leaves. Happy on reunion. Avoidant of stranger when mother not there, but OK when present Intense distress on separation. Fear of stranger. Clingy and rejecting on return. Unresponsive. Child feels unloved and rejected. 70 Secure Sensitive & Responsive. Child feels positive and loved. 10 Insecure Resistant 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.
