AO1

• What was Schaffer and Emerson's research method into early attachment formation?

  • 60 babies (Glasgow, working class)
  • Visited monthly for 1 year then again after 18 months
  • Data came from the caregivers perspectives (diary entries & purely observation based)
  • Measured separation/stranger anxiety.
• What was Schaffer and Emerson's research findings into early attachment formation?

  • 25-32 week period = 50% showed separation anxiety
  • After 1 month, showed stranger anxiety
  • Caregiver who gave infant most attention = attachment figure
  • 40 week period = 30% developed multiple attachments & 80% developed a specific attachment.
  • 18 months = 75% of the babies had an attachment to their father & shown separation anxiety between both parents.
• What is the 1st stage of attachement?

  • Asocial Stage
  • 0-6 weeks
  • Similar behaviour towards humans and objects (but prefer to be with familiar people and are comforted by them)
  • Baby is forming bonds with certain people = form the basis of later attachment
• What is the 2nd stage of attachment?

  • Indiscriminate attachment
  • 6 weeks – 7 months
  • Displays more obvious and observable social behaviours
  • Clear preference for humans over objects
  • Recognises and prefers company of familiar people
  • Doesn’t show separation anxiety when caregiver leaves
  • Doesn’t show stranger anxiety in the presence of unfamiliar people
• What is the 3rd stage of attachment?

  • Specific Attachment
  • 7 months +
  • Displays attachment to one specific person
  • Anxiety directed towards strangers
  • Displays separation anxiety
  • Baby formed a specific attachment to Primary Attachment figure
• What is the 4th stage of attachment?

  • Multiple attachments
  • 10/11 months +
  • Less separation and stranger anxiety
  • Forms multiple attachments with people other than the Primary Attachment Figure (secondary attachment figure)