Attachment: Individual Differences

1. Attachment: Individual Differences • Attachment is not an ‘all or nothing’ process • There may be variations between children in the attachments they form

2. Ainsworth & Bell (1971) • 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. Ainsworth & Bell (1971) • Three patterns of attachment: • Secure (70% of sample) • Insecure – avoidant (20%) • Insecure – resistant (10%) • Ainsworth suggested that attachment type was determined by primary carer’s (mother’s) behaviour www.psychlotron.org.uk

4. Ainsworth & Bell (1971) • Secure attachment • Upset/subdued when mother left • Positive/happy when she returned • Avoidant of stranger but friendly when mother present • Associated with sensitive & responsive primary care www.psychlotron.org.uk

5. Ainsworth & Bell (1971) • Insecure –avoidant • Unconcerned by mother’s absence • Unresponsive when she returned • Strongly avoidant of mother and stranger • Associated with unresponsive primary care www.psychlotron.org.uk

6. Ainsworth & Bell (1971) • Insecure – resistant • Intensely distressed when mother left • Apparent fear of stranger • Clinginess mixed with rejection on return • Associated with inconsistent primary care www.psychlotron.org.uk

7. Secure Avoidant Resistant Primary Carer’s Behaviour Towards Child Child’s ‘Working Model’ of Itself Positive & Loved Unloved & Rejected Angry & Confused www.psychlotron.org.uk