The strange situation

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THE STRANGE SITUATION

Conducted by Mary Ainsworth.

Mary: Considerable influence on Bowlby. Focuses on individual differences. Provided Bowlby with 'the attachment figure' as a secure base to return to.

Aim: To see how infants behave under conditions of mild stress and also novelty.

Method: *9x9 foot room.* *106 middle class infants*

Parent and infant play

Parent sits while infant plays. -> PARENT AS A SECURE BASE

Stranger enters and talks to parent. -> STRANGER ANXIETY

Parent leaves, infant plays, stranger offers comfort if needed -> SEPARATION ANXIETY

Parent returns, greets infant, stranger leaves. -> REUNION BEHAVIOUR

Parent leaves, infant alone. -> SEPERATION ANXIETY

Stranger enters and offers comfort. -> STRANGER ANXIETY

Parent returns, greets infant. -> REUNION BEHAVIOUR

Secure Type B~~~~~~~Insecure avoidant Type A~~~~~~Insecure Resistant Type C~~~~~Insecure disorganised Type D

62% 15% 9% 15%

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