Stages of Attachment According to Schaefer and Emerson

Overview

• Psychologists suggest attachments form between parents and children.
• Rudolf Schaefer and Peggy Emerson identified four stages of attachment.
• Their study involved 60 infants from working-class families in Glasgow.
• Longitudinal study: observations every four weeks until 1 year, then again at 18 months.

Methods of Measuring Attachment

• Separation Anxiety: Distress when caregiver leaves.
• Stranger Distress: Distress when approached by unfamiliar people.
• Findings:
  • 25-32 weeks: 50% of babies showed separation anxiety.
  • Attachment linked to caregiver interaction sensitivity.
  • 40 weeks: 80% had specific attachments; 30% had multiple attachments.

Four Stages of Attachment

1. A Social Stage (0-6 Weeks)

   • Infants form bonds with anyone, including inanimate objects.
   • Babies smile and coo at anyone, including strangers and toys.

2. Indiscriminate Attachment (6 Weeks - 7 Months)

   • Preference for human company begins.
   • Positive response to familiar adults and strangers.
   • Example: Baby reaches out to be picked up by known people.

3. Discriminate/Specific Attachment (7-9 Months)

   • Strong bonds with specific individuals, usually primary caregivers.
   • Display separation and stranger anxiety.
   • Example: Baby cries when primary caregiver leaves.

4. Multiple Attachment (10-18 Months)

   • Forms attachments with multiple individuals like grandparents and siblings.
   • Tolerates brief separations from primary caregiver but still needs comfort.
   • Example: Baby interacts with grandparents but misses parents.

Criticisms and Limitations

• Ecological Validity:

  • Strength: Observations in homes reflect natural behavior.

• Self-Report Limitation:

  • Reports from caregivers may be biased.

• Sample Limitation:

  • Study based on families from a single area and social class.
  • Not representative of other social or cultural contexts.

• Cultural Applicability:

  • Study focused on Glasgow, Scotland.
  • Different cultures may have different attachment patterns.

Conclusion

• Schaefer’s stages of attachment provide a framework for understanding attachment formation.
• Next topic: Exploring the role of fathers in attachment.