1. Attachment: Individual Differences
Attachment is not an ‘all or nothing’ process
There may be variations, or individual differences between children in the attachments they form
There are different types of attachment: Secure vs. Insecure

2. Ainsworth & Bell (1970)
Controlled observation of children’s attachment behaviour using the ‘Strange Situation Classification’ (SSC):
Mother leaves child in unfamiliar environment
Child is approached by stranger
Mother returns
Looks at separation protest, stranger anxiety and reunion behaviour

3. The Strange Situation

4. Ainsworth & Bell (1971) Three patterns of attachment:
Secure (70% of sample)
Insecure – avoidant (15%)
Insecure – resistant (15%)
Ainsworth suggested that attachment type was determined by primary carer’s (mother’s) behaviour and how sensitive the carer is to the child’s needs

5. Secure Attachment Associated with sensitive & responsive primary care
Upset when mother left
Happy when she returned
Avoidant of stranger when alone but friendly when mother present
Will use the mother as a safe base to explore their environment
Associated with sensitive & responsive primary care

6. Insecure Avoidant
Unconcerned by mother’s absence
Showed little interest when she returned
Strongly avoidant of mother and stranger
Stranger will be treated similar to the mother (does not seek contact).
Associated with unresponsive primary care. The child comes to believe that communication of needs has no influence on the mother.

7. Insecure Resistant
Intensely distressed when mother left
Apparent fear of stranger
Clinginess mixed with rejection on return
Fear of exploration (insecure behaviour)
Associated with inconsistent primary care. Sometimes the child’s needs and met and sometime they are ignored.

8. Secure Avoidant Resistant Primary Carer’s Behaviour Towards Child
Child’s ‘Working Model’ of Itself
Positive & Loved
Unloved & Rejected
Angry & Confused
Secure
Avoidant
Resistant