SCHAFFERS STAGES OF ATTACHMENT

• Define stages of attachment


  many developmental theories identify a sequence of different behaviours linked to specific ages. Here the different infant behaviours are linked to specific ages and all babies go through them in the same order
• Define Multiple attachments


  Attachments to two or more people, usually after the baby has formed one strong attachment to one carer
• What is stage 1 of the attachment stages


  Asocial stage in the first few weeks
• Explain the asocial stage


  Baby recognises and bonds with carers. Behaviour to humans and non human objects are similar. Baby is happier with humans. Baby is forming certain bonds which will form the basis of later attachments
• What is stage 2 of attachment stages


  Indiscriminate attachments in the first 2-7 months
• Explain the indiscriminate stage

  Babies display more observable social behaviour. Preference to humans than objects and can recognise and prefer familiar adults. Start to accept cuddles and comfort. NO seperation and stranger anxiety.
• What is stage 3 of attachment stages


  Specific attachments in the 7+ months
• Explain the specific attachment stage

  Start to display stranger and separation anxiety ( 65% the biological mother, but not always) Baby has formed a specific attachment with a primary attachment figure- the person who offers the baby the most interaction and responds to the babys signals with most skill.
• What is the 4th stage of the attachment stages

  Multiple attachments, 1 Year
• Explain the multiple attachment stage

  Shortly after baby has made an attachment with the primary attachment figure, they form Secondary attachments with adults they spend regular time with. Schaffer and Emerson found that 29% of children formed secondary attachments a month after making their primary attachments
• POSITIVE of stage of attachment:

  Good external validity and real world application and Generalisability
• NEGATIVES of the stages of attachment

  Poor evidence for the asocial stage
• Explain good external validity

  Most observations were made by parents observing their childs regular behaviour as the baby would act like usual. If a researcher was present ther baby would of been anxious and changed their behaviour
• Whats the counterpoint to good external validity

  Parents as observers are unlikely to become objective observers and a good chance of parental bias. May not notice signs of anxiety and might not record their childs behaviour accuratley