Cultural variations

• Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonberg meta analysis procedure


  The researchers looked at the proportions of secure, insecure avoidant and insecure resistant attachments across a range of countries. They also looked at differences within the same countries to get an idea of variations within a culture. They found 32 studies -of attachment where the strange situation had been used. These were conducted in eight countries, 15 in the US. Overall the studies yield was roughly 2,000 children. The data was meta analysis which is where results are combined and weighted for sample size
• Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonberg meta analysis findings


  Secure attachment was the most common classification in all countries but ranged from 50% in China to 75% in Britain. In individualistic cultures, rates of insecure resistant attachment were similar to Ainsworth's original sample, but this was not true for collectivist samples from China, Japan and Israel where rates of insecure attachment were above 25%. This suggests that there were cultural differences in the distribution of insecure attachment.
• Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonberg meta analysis conclusion


  Variations between results in the same country were 150% higher than those between countries. In the US, one study found 46% securely attached compared to one sample as high as 90%
• Evaluation

  One limitation is the impact of confounding variables. Studies conducted in different countries may not be matched for sample characteristics, e.g. studies in different countries may use children of different ages or social classes. Environmental variables may also differ e.g. using smaller rooms which may encourage babies to explore more. This means that studies assessing attachment types carried out in different countries may tell us little about cultural differences in attachment.
• Evaluation

  One limitation is an imposed etic. Using a test in a different cultural context from the one for which is was designed may be meaningless. The strange situation was designed in the US where lack of affection at reunion represents insecure attachment. However, in Germany it would be seen as a sign of independence. This means that it may be meaningless to compare attachment behaviours across countries
• Evaluation

  One limitation is competing explanations. The reasons for similar patterns of attachment across cultures is explained by Bowlby's theory that attachment is innate, so secure attachment is the universal norm. However, Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonberg suggest this similarity may be more a product of media representations of correct parenting. This means that it is hard to know whether Bowlby's theory is true as there is a credible alternative explanation.