Attachment Psychology

Experiment Strange Situation Test: The procedure begins with the child and his mother in a room where the child is allowed to play and explore alone. A stranger enters the room, talks to the mother, and approaches the child while the mother leaves the room.

Strange Situation Test After a short period, the mother comes back and reunites with the child. The mother and the stranger leaves, and the child is left to play alone. The stranger then comes back and attempts to interact with the child. The mother returns for a second reunion as the stranger leaves.

Strange Situation Test Throughout the procedure, the child is observed on four aspects: play behavior, reactions to departure and to the mother's return, and behavior when the stranger is around.

Attachments Mary Ainsworth (1979) Three basic Attachment Styles Secure Attachment: infants/toddlers use their mother/caregiver as a secure base for exploring the environment, limit their exploration when caregiver is not present. Sometimes cry when caregiver leaves, BUT they warmly greet her/him when they return 65-70 percent of infants.

Attachments 2. Insecure-avoidant attachment: infants paid little attention to the mother/caregiver when she/he are in the room. Showed little distress when the mother departed and ignored when she returns. 20% of infants

Attachments 3. Insecure-resistant attachment: infants cling to the mother and are strongly reluctant to explore the environment. high-level of distress despite her attempts to comfort. Resistant- one moment baby wants to be held by mom/dad, next moment push mom/dad away, twisting their bodies to get free of her/him. 10% of infants