Schaffer's stages of attachment

• How many stages of attachment did Schaffer identify?

  Four stages
• What was the basis for Schaffer’s stages of attachment?

  They were based on a longitudinal study of working-class babies from Glasgow
• How many babies were involved in Schaffer and Emerson's study?

  60 babies
• What was the gender distribution of the babies in Schaffer’s study?

  31 male and 29 female
• How often were the babies visited during the study?

  Every month for the first year and then at 18 months
• What method was used to measure the infants' level of attachment?

  Mothers were interviewed and observations were conducted
• What percentage of infants showed signs of separation anxiety by 7 months?

  50%
• By one year, what percentage of infants had developed multiple attachments?

  78%
• What is the age range for the pre-attachment stage?

  Birth to 3 months
• What key behavior do infants exhibit during the pre-attachment stage?

  They start to smile and become more sociable
• What is the age range for the indiscriminate attachment stage?

  3 to 7/8 months
• How do infants behave towards animate and inanimate objects during the indiscriminate attachment stage?

  Their behavior is quite similar towards both
• What is the age range for the discriminate attachment stage?

  Usually 7/8 months onward
• What key behaviors are exhibited during the discriminate attachment stage?

  Separation anxiety and fear of strangers
• What is the age range for the multiple attachments stage?

  9 months onwards
• What types of individuals do infants typically form multiple attachments with?

  Friends, grandparents, and nursery staff
• What criticism is made regarding the pre-attachment stage?

  It assumes infants' emotional responses aren't directed to a specific individual
• What did Bushnell's research suggest about infants' preferences?

  Infants preferred their mother's face over a stranger's face
• What is a strength of Schaffer’s stages of attachment?

  They are based on longitudinal research evidence
• How did Schaffer’s longitudinal study improve the validity of his stages?

  It allowed clear observation of the stages and their timing
• What is a limitation regarding the generalizability of Schaffer’s stages?

  They were based on a sample of working-class babies from Glasgow
• How do cultural contexts affect the applicability of Schaffer’s stages?

  In some cultures, multiple caregivers are the norm from the outset
• What does the evidence from different cultural contexts suggest about Schaffer’s stages?

  It questions the universality of the stages
• What are the four stages of attachment identified by Schaffer and Emerson?

  1. Pre-attachment (Birth-3 months)

  • Babies smile and become sociable

  1. Indiscriminate attachment (3-7/8 months)

  • Recognizing and forming bonds with caregivers

  1. Discriminate attachment (7/8 months onward)

  • Separation anxiety and fear of strangers

  1. Multiple attachments (9 months onward)

  • Forming attachments with friends and caregivers
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Schaffer’s stages of attachment?

  Strengths:

  • Based on longitudinal research
  • Provides clear observation of stages

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Limited sample (working-class babies from Glasgow)
  • May not generalize to all cultural contexts