Types of Attachment

• Type A is also known as insecure avoidant attachment.
• Type B is also known as secure attachment.
• Type C is also known as insecure resistant attachment.
• Main & Solomon (1986) identified a type D called disorganised attachment.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) suggest securely attached infants engage in proximity-seeking behaviour and safe base behaviour.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) suggest that securely attached children display moderate separation anxiety and moderate stranger anxiety.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) suggest that about 60-70% of British children are securely attached.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) found that securely attached infants require and accept comfort from their caregivers on reunion.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) suggest that insecure avoidant attachment types do not seek proximity or show safe base behaviour.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) suggest that insecure resistant attachment types show significant distress on separation or to stranger presence.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) suggest that insecure avoidant attachment types will make little effort in the reunion stage and may even avoid contact.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) suggest that above 20-25% of British infants are classed as insecure avoidant.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) suggest that insecure resistant attachment types show greater levels of separation and stranger anxiety.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) suggest that insecure resistant attachment types will resist comfort on reunion.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) suggest that insecure resistant attachment types seek greater proximity to their caregiver so are less likely to explore.
• Ainsworth et al (1978) suggest that around 3% of British infants have insecure resistant attachment types.