CULTURAL VARIATIONS IN ATTACHMENT

CULTURAL VARIATIONS IN ATTACHMENT

1. LJZENDOORN + KROONENBERG (1988) - analysed data from studies using method called meta analysis. Data from 32 studies - 8 diff countries - analysed. All studies used strange situation procedure to study attachment. Using meta-analysis - calculated average % for diff attachment types.

   • FOUND - secure attachment = most common in all cultures. Lowest % secure = china - highest = Britain. Individualistic - Germany = high avoidant. Whereas Collectivist - Japan = high ambivalent.

2. MIYAKE (1985) found no type A attachment in Japan.

   • GROSSMAN (1985) found 49% children in Germany = type A + this = most common attachment type.
     • SIMONELLA ET AL (2014) conducted study in Italy to test attachment types. Found - 50% = secure + 36% = avoidant. Researcher suggested may = because more mothers work longer hours + use professional childcare.

3. (-) Researchers may interpret behaviour from diff cultures inaccurately - may expect certain behaviour from specific cultures - reduces validity + can = criticised as culturally biased.

   • (-) 15 of studies = conducted in USA - not representative sample - therefore cannot generalise to other countries.
   • (+) results of study could = due to temperament of babies rather than sign of insecure attachment. Therefore - should not assume behaviour = due to caring style.
     • (-) Some argue study = comparison between countries not cultures. E.G. rural area child rearing sytem may = different to urban. Samples used in studies may over-represent people in certain areas = low generalizability.