Mary Ainsworth: types of attachment

• Reunion behaviour (how the child responds when the mother returns) indicates the attachment type the child has
• Ainsworth studied the type of attachment infants had with their primary caregiver using a research procedure called the Strange Situation
• Ainsworth categorised children into three main attachment types: Securely attached, Insecurely attached (avoidant and resistant), and an additional type called Insecure Disorganised
• Ainsworth only studied American infants, which may not be representative of different cultures
• The mother's sensitivity to the child's needs is the most important factor in determining the attachment type
• • Insecure Disorganised attachment: Caused by fear-inducing parental style, behaviors include approaching the parent with head averted, rocking, screaming, moving away silently upon return, apprehensive gestures
• Results - Attachment Types:

  • Secure attachment: Primary caregiver is responsive to the child's emotions, children become upset when separated but can be quickly settled upon return
  • Insecure avoidant attachment: Caregiver is not always responsive, child is not bothered when separated and explores without them, won't go to the mother upon return
  • Insecure resistant attachment: Caregiver is inconsistent, child becomes upset when separated but is not eager to go to them upon return, displays anxiety and insecurity
• A child's attachment type depends on the caregiver's behavior towards them
• Mothers who respond sensitively to their child's needs will have securely attached children, while less sensitive mothers may have insecurely attached children
• Effects of secure/insecure attachment on emotional and social development:

  • Likely to have secure attachment with their own children
  • Impact of secure attachment: May find parenting difficult