The Strange Situation (AO1)

The Strange Situation (AO1)

1. Developed by Mary Ainsworth

2. Purpose: To produce a method for assessing quality of attachment by placing an infant in a situation of mild distress

3. Procedures

   • 106 middle-class American infants
   • Place child in empty room and allow it to explore
   • Stranger enters and plays with child and the mother leaves
   • The mother enters and the stranger leaves
   • Things such as seperation and stranger anxiety were recorded.

4. Findings

   • 3 main attachment types
   • 66% were securely attached
   • 22% Insecure Resistant
   • 12% Resistant

5. Conclusions?

   • Majority of middle-class infants are securely attached
   • Secure attachment best for healthy cognitive, social and emotional development