Developed this as a method to assess the quality of a baby’s attachment to a caregiver.
It is a controlled observation procedure in a lab (a controlled environment) with a 2-way mirror through which the psychologists can observe a baby’s behaviour.
Procedure
Five categories are used to judge attachment quality:
Proximity-seeking = well attached babies stay close to caregivers.
Exploration and secure base behaviour = good attachment makes a baby confident to explore, using the caregiver as point of safety.
Stranger anxiety = displayed as well attached babies.
Response to reunion after separation = well attached babies are enthusiastic.
Procedure
The procedure has 7 ‘episodes’, each lasting 3 minutes:
Baby is encouraged to explore by caregiver
Stranger enters and talks to caregiver, approaches baby.
Caregiver leaves
Caregiver returns, stranger leaves.
Caregiver leaves baby alone
Stranger returns
Caregiver returns
Findings and conclusion / 3 TYPES OF ATTACHMENT
They found distinct patterns in the way babies behaved. Identified 3 main types of attachment.
SECURE (type B: 60-75% of british toddlers)
Baby happy to explore but seeks proximity to caregiver (secure base)
Shows moderate separation anxiety and stranger anxiety
Requires and accepts comfort from caregiver on reunion
Findings and conclusion / 3 TYPES OF ATTACHMENT
INSECURE-AVOIDANT (type A: 20-25% of british toddlers)
Baby explores freely but does not seek proximity (no secure base)
Shows little / no separation and stranger anxiety
Avoids contact at the reunion stage
Findings and conclusion / 3 TYPES OF ATTACHMENT
INSECURE-RESISTANT (type C: 3% of british toddlers)
Baby explores less and seeks greater proximity
Shows considerable stranger and separation anxiety
