Schaffer's stages of attachments

• List the four stages of attachment in order

  Asocial, Indiscriminate attachment, Specific attachment, Multiple attachments
• Age and behaviour of Asocial

  0-8 weeks

  Behaviour between humans and non-humans objects are quite similar

  Recognise specific faces

  Happier in presence of humans than when alone

  Preference for familiar individuals
• Age and behaviour of Indiscriminate attachment

  2-7 months

  Recognise and prefer the company of familiar people

  Smile more at familiar than unfamiliar faces

  Accept comfort from any adult

  Preference for people rather than inanimate objects
• Age and behaviour of specific attachment

  7-12 months

  Shows stranger anxiety and separation anxiety

  Primary attachment to 1 particular individual (person that shows most sensitivity to signals)

  Use familiar adults as a secure base
• Age and behaviour of multiple attachments

  1 year onwards

  Form secondary attachments with familiar adults with whom they spend time with (dads, grandparents)