Ainsworth A01

Created by

Elena Amobi

Cards (11)

What was the aim of Ainsworth
-To see how an infant behaves under conditions of mild stress
Who were the ppts
-106 white middle class infant (12-18 months) and their mothers
What was the study conducted as
-an observational lab experiment
What 4 behaviours was Ainsworth investigating
-stranger anxiety
-reunion behaviour
-separation anxiety
-using mother as a safe base/willingness to explore
What was the method
series of episodes within the experiment included baby with its mother left alone or with a stranger
A group of observers collected data using a one-way mirror and video camera
What happened to the findings of the strange situation
Findings of the Strange Situation were organised by Ainsworth into three main attachment styles
outline secure attachment 
Infants show proximity-seeking and secure-base behaviour toward their caregiver
Moderate separation and stranger anxiety behaviour are seen
Reunion behaviour includes the need for comfort from the caregiver
Ainsworth stated this was because the caregiver had sensitivity to the infants needs
Outline insecure avoidant
Infants do not show proximity-seeking or secure-base behaviour
Little or no reaction is seen to caregivers leaving and little or no stranger anxiety is observed
Infants do not make an effort to seek a caregiver upon reunion; avoidance of caregiver is observed
Ainsworth stated that this was because the mother was insensitive to the needs of the infant and showed little interest
Outline insecure resistant 
Infants show increased levels of proximity-seeking behaviour
High levels of stranger anxiety and separation distress
Infants resist comfort when reunited with their caregivers
Ainsworth stated this was because the mother was inconsistent to the child's needs
What were the results
-securely attached: 66%
-insecure resistant:12%
-insecure avoidant:22%
what was the conclusion
-key issue is sensitivity of the caregiver and this determines the attachment type