Stages of attachment

• What are the stages of attachment in order?

  Asocial

  indiscriminate

  specific attachment

  multiple attachments
• how many stages of attachment are there?

  4
• when is the asocial stage of attachment?

  0-6 weeks
• when is the indiscriminate stage of attachment?

  around 6 weeks - 7 months
• when is the specific stage of attachment?

  around 7-9 months
• when is the multiple attachments stage?

  from around 9 months
• What is the phrase to rememebr the stages of attachment in order?

  all infants suck milk
• what behaviours are displayed in the asocial stage?


  • infant begins to form bonds with carers
  • a SLIGHT (this increases from 6weeks old) preference for humans over non-human objects. Preference shown by smiling at faces
  • Particularly familiar faces
• What behaviours are displayed in the indiscriminate stage?

  • Distinct preference for FAMILIAR adults but WILL ACCEPT COMFORT FROM ANY
  • No ANXIETY TOWARDS STRANGERS and no separation anxiety
• what behaviours are displayed in the specific stage?

  • Shows separation anxiety and stranger anxiety (protest if handled by strangers)
  • Baby has formed a specific attachment to one caregiver (in 65% of cases the mother) = PRIMARY ATTACHMENT FIGURE
• What behaviours are displayed in the multiple attachments stage?

  • forms secondary attachments easily with others caregivers eg grandparents once they have formed the initial primary attachment