The Strange Situation

1
The Strange Situation

• Mary Ainsworth et al (1978)
• Ainsworth Bell (1971)
• D Rice et al (2000) Psychology in Focus AS Level
  Ormskirk Causeway

2
AIMS

• To describe and assess the attachment
  relationship between caregiver and infant
  (Ainsworth et al (1978))
• Attachment A relatively enduring emotional bond
  to a specific person.

3
Procedure(Ainsworth and Bell assessed about 100
American infants and their primary caregivers)

• Observer shows caregiver and infant into the
  experimental room and then leaves.
• Caregiver sits and watches child play.
• Stranger enters, silent at first, then talks to
  caregiver, then interacts with infant. Caregiver
  leaves the room.
• First separation. Stranger tries to interact
  with infant.

• 5. First reunion. Caregiver comforts child,
  stranger leaves. Caregiver then leaves.
• 6. Second separation. Child alone.
• 7. Stranger enters and tries to interact with
  child
• 8. Second reunion. Caregiver comforts child,
  stranger leaves.

4
Results
5
Conclusion

• The primary caregivers behaviour determines the
  attachment style of the child. A sensitive
  primary caregiver leads to a securely attached
  child. Insecure attachment will lead to problems
  in later life.

6
Criticisms

• The Strange Situation is a standardised procedure
  and has been repeated many times.
• The measurement of attachment is based on more
  then one behaviour e.g. several separations and
  reunions.
• Early identification of attachment problems could
  mean earlier intervention and the prevention of
  later problems.

• The Strange Situation lacks validity because it
  is a strange situation to the child.
• There are cultural variations in child rearing
  techniques and this study was originally based on
  an American sample.
• Ethics!! Distressing for the child and caregiver.