Attachment: Individual Differences
• Attachment is not an ‘all or nothing’ process
• There may be variations between children
in the attachments they form
Ainsworth & Bell (1971)
• Controlled observation of children’s
attachment behaviour using the ‘Strange
Situation Classification’ (SSC):
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Mother leaves child in unfamiliar environment
Child is approached by stranger
Mother returns
Looks at separation protest, stranger anxiety
and reunion behaviour
Ainsworth & Bell (1971)
• Three patterns of attachment:
• Ainsworth suggested that attachment type
was determined by primary carer’s
(mother’s) behaviour
www.psychlotron.org.uk
• Secure (70% of sample)
• Insecure – avoidant (20%)
• Insecure – resistant (10%)
Ainsworth & Bell (1971)
• Secure attachment
• Associated with sensitive & responsive
primary care
www.psychlotron.org.uk
• Upset/subdued when mother left
• Positive/happy when she returned
• Avoidant of stranger but friendly when mother
present
Ainsworth & Bell (1971)
• Insecure –avoidant
• Unconcerned by mother’s absence
• Unresponsive when she returned
• Strongly avoidant of mother and stranger
www.psychlotron.org.uk
• Associated with unresponsive primary care
Ainsworth & Bell (1971)
• Insecure – resistant
• Intensely distressed when mother left
• Apparent fear of stranger
• Clinginess mixed with rejection on return
www.psychlotron.org.uk
• Associated with inconsistent primary care
Primary Carer’s Behaviour
Towards Child
Positive & Loved
Unloved &
Rejected
Angry &
Confused
Secure
Avoidant
Resistant
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Child’s ‘Working Model’ of
Itself