Attachment: Individual Differences

1
Attachment Individual Differences

• Attachment is not an all or nothing process
• There may be variations between children in the
  attachments they form

2
Ainsworth Bell (1971)

• Controlled observation of childrens attachment
  behaviour using the Strange Situation
  Classification (SSC)
• Mother leaves child in unfamiliar environment
• Child is approached by stranger
• Mother returns
• Looks at separation protest, stranger anxiety and
  reunion behaviour

3
Ainsworth Bell (1971)

• Three patterns of attachment
• Secure (70 of sample)
• Insecure avoidant (20)
• Insecure resistant (10)
• Ainsworth suggested that attachment type was
  determined by primary carers (mothers) behaviour

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4
Ainsworth Bell (1971)

• Secure attachment
• Upset/subdued when mother left
• Positive/happy when she returned
• Avoidant of stranger but friendly when mother
  present
• Associated with sensitive responsive primary
  care

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5
Ainsworth Bell (1971)

• Insecure avoidant
• Unconcerned by mothers absence
• Unresponsive when she returned
• Strongly avoidant of mother and stranger
• Associated with unresponsive primary care

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6
Ainsworth Bell (1971)

• Insecure resistant
• Intensely distressed when mother left
• Apparent fear of stranger
• Clinginess mixed with rejection on return
• Associated with inconsistent primary care

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7
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