Attachment Studies Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Studying attachment isn't straightforward.
• Observation of children in various settings: home or laboratory.
• Mary Ainsworth, a student of John Bowlby, devised the 'Strange Situation' procedure.
• Most widely used method to assess child-caregiver attachment.

The Strange Situation Procedure

• Places child under controlled stress.
• Observes child's reaction to:
  • Unfamiliar setting.
  • A stranger's presence.
  • Mother's departure and return (reunion).
• Key interest: Child's behavior during mother's return.

Example Observation: Lisa

• 14-month-old Lisa in the lab setting.
• Stranger enters, interacts; Lisbeth (mother) leaves.
• Lisa's distress observed when alone.
• Lisbeth returns, Lisa calms quickly.
• Lisa shows signs of secure attachment.

Internal Working Model

• Concept introduced by John Bowlby.
• Securely attached child views parent as available, loving.
• Views self as worthy of love.
• Secure attachment observed in ~60% of cases.

Example Observation: Eva

• One-year-old Eva behaves differently from Lisa.
• Distressed but doesn't seek proximity to mother.
• Continues playing, shows signs of insecure avoidant attachment.
• Avoidant attachment internal model: independence during distress.

Criticisms of the Strange Situation

• Concerns about making inferences from behavior in a lab setting.
• Different children may interpret the situation differently.
• Cultural variations affect interpretation and meaning.
• Despite criticisms, still widely used.

Importance of Attachment

• Strange situation highlights attachment qualities.
• Links to other aspects of child's experiences and behaviors.
• Secure attachment in early childhood correlates with:
  • Better peer interaction.
  • Cooperative behavior.
  • Conflict resolution skills in preschool.

Conclusion

• The Strange Situation provides valuable insights into early child-caregiver attachment.
• Despite its limitations, it remains a cornerstone in attachment research and understanding child development.