TYPES OF ATTACHMENT
THE STRANGE SITUATION
A01-Description
Ainsworth developed a technique to systematically assess the nature of attachment. The aim was to
see how infants (middle class)behave under conditions of mild stress and novelty. Various aspects of
infant behaviour are tested. For example, when the caregiver leaves, this tests stranger anxiety, when
the infant is left with a stranger, this tests separation anxiety and reunion behaviour. Ainsworth found
that most infants (66%) were securely attached (type B). She also found two types of insecure
attachment, type A – insecure avoidant (22%) and type C insecure resistant (12%)
Could include more information on the episodes and/or how they observed behavior. You also need to
know the main characteristics of all three attachment types .
A02 – Evaluation
1. Ainsworth identified 3 attachment types, however Main and Solomon on reviewing the
videotapes proposed fourth attachment type – insecure-disorganised. (could briefly describe).
2. Ainsworth also found that mothers of securely attached infants were more sensitive,
accepting and accessible, whereas as mothers of insecurely attached infants were more
unresponsive and less affectionate. However studies e.g. by Ravel found little correlation
between maternal sensitivity and the strength of the attachment. Slade found that maternal
reflective functioning (being able to understand what someone else is thinking and feeling is
central in establishing formation type not sensitivity.
3. The strange situation may lack validity. The idea that it measures attachment type has been
challenged. Some researchers argue that it only measures particular relationships. Main, for
example, found that children behaved differently depending on which parent they were with.
Meaning we may be measuring one relationship rather than an overall attachment type.
Others would, however, argue that this doesn’t matter, the relationship with the primary
caregiver is the one that determines attachment type and later becomes internalized so that it
is a characteristic of the child.
4. Support for the strange situation and the different attachment types is demonstrated in the
correlations found between early attachment types and later behaviours. For example,
a) A number of longitudinal studies have demonstrated a link between early attachment and
later social functioning. Prior and Glaser found that secure attachments are associated
with positive outcomes, less emotional dependence, higher achievement and
interpersonal harmony. Whereas avoidant attachment is related to later aggressiveness
and resistant to greater anxiety and withdrawn behavior.
b) See evaluation of Bowlby that supports idea of continuity hypothesis
5. However an alternative explanation could be the temperament hypothesis, that an innately
trusting and friendly personality could be the main factor in continuity i.e. secure attachment
and later close relationships are formed because the child has an ‘easy’ temperament rather
than attachment being innate.
6. A strength of the theory is the influence it has had on many aspects of life. Parenting
programmes, dealing with the effects of separation and day-care programmes. These will be
covered later.