Lecture Notes: The Strange Situation and Child Attachment

Introduction

• Discussion on translating the essential elements of home life into a laboratory setting for scientific study.
• Focus on the creation of a controlled environment to observe parent-child dynamics.

Development of The Strange Situation

• Developed by Mary Ainsworth, a student of Bowlby.
• Purpose: To assess the quality of a child's attachment to their caregiver through controlled stress.
• Became a widely used standardized method for evaluating attachment.

Key Elements of the Study

• Observation of 14-month-old child, Lisa, in an unfamiliar setting.
• Focus on child’s behavior towards a stranger and reactions during separation and reunion with the mother.

Procedure Details

1. Introduction to the Environment

   • Lisa is placed in an attractive but unfamiliar setting.
   • Researchers observe her initial responses.

2. Stranger Interaction

   • A stranger enters, sits, and reads a magazine.
   • Attempts to interact with Lisa.

3. Separation and Reunion Episodes

   • First Separation: Mother (Lisabeth) leaves the room.
     • Lisa is visibly upset.
     • The stranger attempts to comfort her unsuccessfully.
     • Lisabeth returns, and Lisa's reaction is recorded (Reunion behavior).
   • Second Separation: Lisabeth and the stranger both leave.
     • Lisa is alone and distressed.
     • The stranger again tries to console her without success.
     • Lisabeth returns and quickly calms Lisa.

Observations and Findings

• Focus on how Lisa balances attachment needs and exploration.
• Lisa's quick calming by Lisabeth indicates a secure attachment.

Conclusion

• "The Strange Situation" provides valuable insights into attachment and has become a cornerstone method in developmental psychology.
• Observations of behavior during separation and reunion are crucial for understanding attachment styles.