Discuss what research has shown about multiple attachments

• Discuss what research has shown about multiple attachments - AO1


  •      Multiple attachments forms after the primary attachment and is any other secondary attachment. Usualy with the father, extended family and neighbours. 

  •      Based on study of Schaffer and Emerson (1964) longitudinal study of 60 Glaswegian babies. Observations, interviews, and diaries. 
• Discuss what research has shown about multiple attachments - AO1

  •      By the age of 40 weeks, 80% of the babies had a specific attachment and almost 30% displayed multiple attachments.

  •      Stages: multiple attachments forms multiple secondary attachments (1 year +). 
• AO3 - Issues with how multiple attachments are assessed.


  E:  Just because a baby becomes distressed when an individual leaves does not mean that they are their true attachment figure. 

  E:  Separation and stranger anxiety are regarded as limited behavioural measurements of attachment. 

  L:  Use reductionist approaches for measuring attachment. Other methods like those in strange situation, secure base and reunion behaviour, are better. 
• AO3 - Timing of the stages is conflicting. 


  E:  The formation of multiple attachments is unclear as in collectivist cultures are formed from onset but in stages after one year. 

  E:  Families work together to raise the child. 

  L:  Stages are ethnocentric and so cannot be generalised to other cultures. 
• AO3 - Research lacks temporal validity.


  E: Schaffer and Emmerson’s research into primary attachment was conducted in 1964 when most mothers stayed at home and fathers worked. 

  E:  Therefore, does not match the dynamics of modern family’s were many fathers stay at home so are more likely to become a child primary attachment figure. Since the role of the father has changed over time. 

  L: Therefore, results from this study cannot be generalised to the modern population. 
• AO3 - Timing of when multiple attachments form is conflicting. 


  E:  In stages of attachment, multiple attachments are formed after a year, based only on middle class Glaswegian babies. 

  E:  The formation of multiple attachments is unclear as in collectivist cultures are formed from onset but in stages after one year as families work together to raise the child.

  L:  Stages are ethnocentric and so cannot be generalised to other cultures