Ainsworth's strange situation

The strange situation:

A01:

Procedure: 

• Developed the strange situation to assess the quality of child's attachment to a caregiver.
• controlled observation lab study with a two-way mirror
• five categories used:
• 1. proximity seeking
• 2. exploration and secure based behaviour
• 3. stranger anxiety 
• 4. separation anxiety
• 5. response to the caregiver after separation

•  The procedure has seven episodes each lasting 3 mins.
• 1. the child was encouraged to explore by the caregiver.
• 2. Stranger enters and talks to the caregiver
• 3. Caregiver leaves
• 4. The caregiver returns and the stranger leaves
• 5. The caregiver leaves the child alone
• 6. the stranger returns
• 7. the caregiver returns.

Findings:

Ainsworth found distinct patterns in the way infants behaved. Therefore she identified three main attachment types.

• Secure attachment: 60-75% of British toddlers, Child is happy to explore but seeks proximity with caregiver, shows moderate separation and stranger anxiety. Requires and accepts comfort on reunion. 
• Insecure-avoidant: 20-25% of British toddlers, Child explores freely but does not seek proximity, shows little/no separation or stranger anxiety and does not require comfort…