Introduce
Mary Ainsworth was a developmental psychologist who expanded on John Bowlby’s attachment theory. She developed the Strange Situation assessment, a structured observation designed to evaluate the attachment relationship between an infant and their caregiver, typically the mother. In this procedure, the infant’s behaviour is observed during a series of events, including separations and reunions with the mother in an unfamiliar environment. Based on her research, Ainsworth identified three primary attachment styles: secure attachment, insecure-avoidant attachment, and insecure-ambivalent attachment. She believed that these patterns provided critical insights into the nature of the infant-caregiver bond.
Watch the following video to learn more about how the ‘Strange Situation’ has been used to study attachment in infants.
Develop
Later attachment researchers have argued for a forth category of attachment, disorganised, which is where children do not reliably use a predictable set of attachment strategies to get their needs met. It is children who are presenting with disorganised attachment strategies that are considered the most at risk.
Image Source: Lorna Colter
- Secure attachment: Children may be upset when separated from their caregiver but feel assured that they will return. These children show joy when reunited and when frightened, securely attached children are comfortable seeking reassurance from caregivers. These are caregivers who have consistently met their children’s needs and are shown to be responsive. Securely attached children are typically able to build healthy relationships with others, show less aggression and be more empathetic.
- Ambivalent attachment: These are children who may present as being clingy or over-dependant. They may have experienced a lack of consistent parenting which has led to them being unsure whether they can depend on their caregiver. These children are distressed and show signs of stress when separated from their caregiver but then do not feel safe or reassured when reunited.
- Avoidant attachment: Children with an avoidant attachment tend to avoid parents or caregivers, showing no preference between a caregiver and a complete stranger. Caregivers of children with an attachment style tend to be emotionally unavailable or unresponsive in their approach to the child. They may disregard or ignore their children’s needs, and can be especially rejecting of the child. These children may appear to be disengaged or distant and not interested in focusing on building relationships.
- Disorganised attachment: These children can display some of the most chaotic and confusing behaviour. Children with a disorganised attachment do not show a clear attachment pattern so their behaviour is often unpredictable and volatile. These are children who have often experienced trauma or loss and have not have a consistent caregiver to support them through it.
The concept of disorganised attachment is contested in some areas of developmental psychology and attachment research. These debates highlight the importance of nuanced, context-sensitive interpretations of attachment behaviours.
According to Bowlby (1969), the experience of a secure or insecure attachment acts as a prototype for how the child relates to themselves and the world around them, impacting future relationships. You can see in the image below how attachment might shape a child’s view of themselves, others and the world.
Reflect
Stop and Reflect:
How could you support parents and caregivers to recognise and respond to their child’s attachment needs?
What practical advice or interventions could you offer to strengthen attachment for families at home?
Are you aware of any biases or assumptions you may hold about attachment behaviours?