development of attachment

• stages of attachment

  • asocial
  • indiscriminate
  • discriminate
  • multiple
• method of schaffer and emersons study

  The babies were visited at home every month for the first year,and then again at 18 months.The researchers asked the mothers questions about the babies reactions to everyday separations.This allowed them to measure the infant’s attachment.Stranger anxiety was also measured.The mothers were asked to describe the intensity of protests which were rated on a 4 point scale,and to whom the protest was directed.
• sample

  • 60 glaswegian babies from working class families
• asocial

  the baby recognises and forms bonds with its carers.The baby’s behaviour towards non-human and human objects is similar.Babies prefer familiar adults that find it easier to calm them.Babies are also happier in the presence of other humans.(first few weeks)
• indiscriminate

  Between 2-7 months babies display more observable social behaviour.They prefer people over objects,and can recognise familiar adults.Babies usually accept cuddles/comfort from most adults.They don’t usually display separation anxiety or stranger anxiety.
• discriminate

  Most babies display separation anxiety and stranger anxiety.Specific attachment has formed and this adult is called the primary attachment figure.This may not be the person who spends most time with the infant but the one who offers the most interaction and is able to respond to the babies signals appropriately.
• multiple attachments

  Once attachment has been established with one adult,they usually extend this attachment behaviour to multiple attachments with familiar adults(secondary attachments).