3.5.2 Types of Attachment

• The Strange Situation is a standardized procedure developed by Mary Ainsworth
• The Strange Situation involves exposing infants to separation and reunion episodes with their caregiver.
• Match the Strange Situation episode with its description:

  Episode 1 ↔️ Researcher introduces caregiver and infant

  Episode 3 ↔️ Stranger enters and engages with infant

  Episode 5 ↔️ Caregiver returns and comforts infant

  Episode 7 ↔️ Stranger attempts to comfort infant
• What are the four attachment types identified in the Strange Situation?

  Secure, Insecure-Avoidant, Insecure-Resistant, Disorganized
• Infants with Secure Attachment confidently explore the room using the caregiver as a secure base
• Infants with Secure Attachment show distress when the caregiver leaves but are easily comforted upon their return.
• What type of emotional support does a caregiver provide to foster Secure Attachment?

  Consistent emotional support
• Securely attached infants display exploration by confidently exploring the room and toys, using the caregiver as a secure base
• Securely attached infants show mild distress when the caregiver leaves but are easily comforted upon their return.
• Match the Secure Attachment behavior with its description:

  Exploration ↔️ Infant explores using caregiver as a secure base

  Separation Distress ↔️ Infant shows mild distress when caregiver leaves

  Reunion Behavior ↔️ Infant greets caregiver positively
• Infants with Insecure-Avoidant Attachment engage in exploration but do not use the caregiver as a secure base
• Infants with Insecure-Avoidant Attachment show little distress when the caregiver leaves.
• What type of caregiving might lead to Insecure-Avoidant Attachment?

  Inconsistent or unresponsive caregiving
• Infants with Insecure-Avoidant Attachment engage in exploration but do not use the caregiver as a secure base
• Infants with Insecure-Avoidant Attachment show little distress when the caregiver leaves.
• Match the Insecure-Resistant Attachment behavior with its description:

  Exploration ↔️ Infant hesitates to explore

  Separation Distress ↔️ Infant exhibits high levels of distress

  Reunion Behavior ↔️ Infant seeks but resists contact
• Infants with Insecure-Resistant Attachment exhibit high levels of distress when the caregiver leaves
• What is a characteristic behavior of Insecure-Resistant Attachment during reunion?

  Approach but resist contact
• What behavior do infants with Insecure-Avoidant Attachment show when their caregiver leaves?

  Little distress
• Upon reunion, infants with Insecure-Avoidant Attachment often avoid the caregiver
• Insecure-Avoidant Attachment may result from inconsistent caregiving.
• What might an infant with Insecure-Avoidant Attachment do when the caregiver returns?

  Not seek physical contact
• Infants with Insecure-Resistant Attachment are hesitant to explore
• Infants with Insecure-Resistant Attachment exhibit high levels of distress when their caregiver leaves.
• What is a common reunion behavior of infants with Insecure-Resistant Attachment?

  Resisting comfort
• Who developed the Strange Situation procedure?

  Mary Ainsworth
• The Strange Situation assesses attachment security in infants.
• Order the episodes of the Strange Situation.

  1️⃣ Researcher introduces caregiver and infant to the room and leaves

  2️⃣ Caregiver sits and the infant explores freely

  3️⃣ Stranger enters and talks to the caregiver, then engages with the infant

  4️⃣ Caregiver leaves, infant is alone with the stranger

  5️⃣ Caregiver returns, comforts the infant, and the stranger leaves

  6️⃣ Caregiver leaves again, infant is alone

  7️⃣ Stranger enters and attempts to comfort the infant

  8️⃣ Caregiver returns and comforts the infant
• The Strange Situation categorizes infants into four primary attachment types
• What do infants with Secure Attachment use their caregiver as during exploration?

  Secure base
• Infants with Secure Attachment show mild distress when their caregiver leaves but are easily comforted upon their return.
• What type of caregiving fosters Secure Attachment in infants?

  Consistent support
• What do infants with Insecure-Avoidant Attachment not use their caregiver as during exploration?

  Secure base
• When separated from their caregiver, infants with Insecure-Avoidant Attachment show little distress
• What behavior do infants with Insecure-Resistant Attachment exhibit during exploration?

  Hesitancy
• Insecure-Resistant Attachment may result from uncertain caregiver responses.
• What is the reunion behavior of infants with Insecure-Resistant Attachment?

  Approach but resist contact
• Infants with Secure Attachment use their caregiver as a secure base.
• The Strange Situation's standardized procedure enhances its reliability.
• Why might the artificial setting of the Strange Situation be considered a weakness?

  May skew infant behavior