Ainsworth's 'Strange Situation'

• The strange situation is a controlled observation designed to measure the security of attachment a baby displays towards a caregiver
• The Strange Situation takes place in a room with quite controlled conditions (i.e a laboratory) with a two-way mirror and/or cameras through which psychologists can observe the baby's behaviour
• The behaviours used to judge attachment included:

  • Proximity-seeking - A baby with a good quality attachment will stay close to a caregiver
• The behaviours used to judge attachment included:

  • Exploration and secure-base behaviour - Good attachment enables a baby to feel confident to explore, using their caregiver as a secure base
• The behaviours used to judge attachment included:

  • Stranger anxiety - One of the signs of becoming closely attached is a display of anxiety when a stranger approaches
• The behaviours used to judge attachment included:

  • Separation anxiety - A sign of becoming attached is to protest at separation from the caregiver
• The behaviours used to judge attachment included:

  • Response to reunion - Babies who are securely attached greet the caregiver's return with pleasure and seek comfort
• Types of attachment: Secure attachment (60-75%)

  • Moderate stranger and separation anxiety
  • Easily accept comfort at reunion
• Types of attachment: Insecure-avoidant attachment (20-25%)

  • Low stranger and separation anxiety
  • Little response to reunion, may even avoid contact
• Types of attachment: Insecure-resistant attachment (3%)

  • High levels of stranger and separation anxiety
  • Resist comfort when reunited with their caregiver