AO1

• What was the aim of Ainsworth’s Strange Situation?

  To observe and classify attachment styles in infants
• What are the four attachment types identified in Ainsworth’s Strange Situation?

  Secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-resistant, disorganized
• What behaviors were observed in securely attached infants during the Strange Situation?

  Distress when caregiver left, comforted upon reunion
• How did insecure-avoidant infants behave in the Strange Situation?

  Showed little distress and avoided contact upon reunion
• How did insecure-resistant infants behave during the Strange Situation?

  Showed intense distress and resisted comfort upon reunion
• What is the key feature of disorganized attachment (Type D)?

  Inconsistent behaviors, confusion, and fear during reunions
• What was the procedure of Ainsworth’s Strange Situation?

  Observing infant reactions to seven episodes of separation and reunion
• How many attachment classifications were found in Ainsworth’s study?

  Three main classifications, later adding disorganized
• What was the procedure?

  It was a covert observation through a two way mirror in a controlled environment, testing for separation anxiety, stranger anxiety and proximity. There were seven episodes each lasting three minutes.
• What occurs in Episode 1 of the Strange Situation?

  The mother and infant explore the room together
• Why does the mother remain seated in Episode 1 of the Strange Situation?

  To provide a secure base for the child
• What happens in Episode 2 of the Strange Situation?

  A stranger enters and sits quietly
• What is the purpose of the stranger's entry in Episode 2?

  To test the infant’s reaction to an unfamiliar person
• What occurs in Episode 3 of the Strange Situation?

  The mother leaves the room, leaving the infant with the stranger
• What does Episode 3 test in the infant?

  The infant’s response to separation from the caregiver
• What happens in Episode 4 of the Strange Situation?

  The mother returns and comforts the infant
• What does Episode 4 assess regarding the infant?

  The infant’s ability to be comforted after separation
• What occurs in Episode 5 of the Strange Situation?

  The mother leaves the room again with the stranger present
• What is observed during Episode 5?

  The infant’s reaction to the second separation
• What happens in Episode 6 of the Strange Situation?

  The stranger tries to comfort the infant
• What does Episode 6 test regarding the infant?

  Whether the infant can be comforted by the stranger
• What occurs in Episode 7 of the Strange Situation?

  The mother returns and comforts the infant again
• What does the final reunion in Episode 7 test?

  The infant’s reaction to the caregiver’s return
• What are the episodes of the Strange Situation designed to assess?

  • Infant's exploration behavior
  • Reaction to separation from caregiver
  • Ability to be comforted by caregiver
  • Response to unfamiliar individuals
  • Reaction to caregiver's return
• What is secure attachment?

  Confidence that caregiver will meet needs
• How does a securely attached child behave in the Strange Situation?

  They explore freely and show moderate distress
• What kind of caregiver leads to secure attachment?

  Consistently responsive and sensitive caregivers
• What is insecure avoidant attachment?

  A type where the child avoids closeness
• How does an avoidant child behave in the Strange Situation?

  They show little distress and avoid the caregiver
• What kind of caregiver leads to avoidant attachment?

  Emotionally unavailable and unresponsive caregivers
• What is insecure resistant (ambivalent) attachment?

  Attachment involving clinginess and dependency
• How does a resistant child behave in the Strange Situation?

  They show intense distress and resist comfort
• What kind of caregiver leads to resistant attachment?

  Inconsistent caregivers who confuse the child
• What are the characteristics of secure attachment?

  • Confidence in caregiver's responsiveness
  • Distress when separated
  • Easily comforted upon reunion
• What are the characteristics of insecure avoidant attachment?

  • Avoidance of closeness
  • Indifference to caregiver's presence
  • Little distress when caregiver leaves
• What are the characteristics of insecure resistant (ambivalent) attachment?

  • Clinginess and dependency
  • Intense distress when caregiver leaves
  • Resistance to comfort upon return
• How do caregiver behaviors influence attachment styles?

  • Secure: Consistent and responsive caregivers
  • Avoidant: Emotionally unavailable caregivers
  • Resistant: Inconsistent caregivers