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The Strange Situation

The Strange Situation. Mary Ainsworth et al (1978) Ainsworth & Bell (1971) D Rice et al (2000) Psychology in Focus AS Level Ormskirk Causeway. AIMS. To describe and assess the attachment relationship between caregiver and infant (Ainsworth et al (1978))

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The Strange Situation

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  1. The Strange Situation Mary Ainsworth et al (1978) Ainsworth & Bell (1971) D Rice et al (2000) Psychology in Focus AS Level Ormskirk Causeway

  2. AIMS • To describe and assess the attachment relationship between caregiver and infant (Ainsworth et al (1978)) • Attachment – A relatively enduring emotional bond to a specific person.

  3. Observer shows caregiver and infant into the experimental room and then leaves. Caregiver sits and watches child play. Stranger enters, silent at first, then talks to caregiver, then interacts with infant. Caregiver leaves the room. First separation. Stranger tries to interact with infant. 5. First reunion. Caregiver comforts child, stranger leaves. Caregiver then leaves. 6. Second separation. Child alone. 7. Stranger enters and tries to interact with child 8. Second reunion. Caregiver comforts child, stranger leaves. Procedure(Ainsworth and Bell assessed about 100 American infants and their primary caregivers)

  4. Results

  5. Conclusion • The primary caregiver’s behaviour determines the attachment style of the child. A sensitive primary caregiver leads to a securely attached child. Insecure attachment will lead to problems in later life.

  6. The Strange Situation is a standardised procedure and has been repeated many times. The measurement of attachment is based on more then one behaviour e.g. several separations and reunions. Early identification of attachment problems could mean earlier intervention and the prevention of later problems. The Strange Situation lacks validity because it is a ‘strange situation’ to the child. There are cultural variations in child rearing techniques and this study was originally based on an American sample. Ethics!! Distressing for the child and caregiver. Criticisms

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