Stages of attachment

• What are the stages of attachment according to Schaffer and Emerson?

  There are four stages of attachment.
• What is the significance of high ecological validity in attachment research?

  It reflects real-life situations and interactions.
• What is the first stage of attachment?

  The first stage is called indiscriminate attachment.
• What do infants show during the indiscriminate stage of attachment?

  Infants show similar responses to animate and inanimate objects.
• How does the research on attachment reflect real-life situations?

  It is conducted in homes with actual parents.
• What role does reciprocity play in attachment relationships?

  Reciprocity facilitates emotional connections between infants and caregivers.
• What is the second stage of attachment?

  The second stage is the beginnings of separation anxiety.
• How is separation anxiety assessed in infants?

  By leaving the infant alone in a room.
• What is the third stage of attachment?

  The third stage is called discriminate attachments.
• What indicates that an infant has formed a specific attachment?

  They show separation anxiety towards their primary caregiver.
• At what age do infants typically show separation anxiety?

  By 9 months of age.
• What is the fourth stage of attachment?

  The fourth stage is multiple attachments.
• What did Schaffer and Emerson find about multiple attachments?

  They found that multiple attachments are formed within one month of becoming attached.
• What percentage of infants had multiple attachments by 6 months according to Schaffer and Emerson?

  78% of infants had multiple attachments.
• What are the key findings of Schaffer and Emerson's attachment study?

  • Four stages of attachment: indiscriminate, beginnings of separation anxiety, discriminate attachments, and multiple attachments.
  • High ecological validity due to research conducted in homes.
  • Infants show preferences for social stimuli towards the end of the indiscriminate stage.
  • Separation anxiety and stranger anxiety are key indicators of attachment.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Schaffer and Emerson attachment study?

  Strengths:

  • High ecological validity.
  • Longitudinal design allows for tracking the same children over time.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Sample may not be representative of all cultures.
  • Potential for social desirability bias in parental reports.