Mary Ainsworth was a developmental psychologist who is best known for her contributions to the field of attachment theory. Attachment theory is a psychological model that explains the emotional bonds that exist between humans and their caregivers, and how these bonds shape the way that individuals develop and relate to others throughout their lives.
Ainsworth developed the concept of the "strange situation," a laboratory procedure that is used to classify the different types of attachment that can exist between a child and their caregiver. In this procedure, a child is placed in a room with a stranger and their caregiver, and the child's reactions to being separated from and reunited with their caregiver are observed.
Based on the results of the strange situation, Ainsworth identified three main types of attachment: secure attachment, anxious-ambivalent attachment, and anxious-avoidant attachment.
Secure attachment is characterized by a child feeling safe and secure in the presence of their caregiver, and being able to explore and play freely while their caregiver is present. When separated from their caregiver, a child with secure attachment will often become distressed, but will eventually calm down when reunited.
Anxious-ambivalent attachment is characterized by a child being anxious and unsure about the availability of their caregiver. These children may become extremely upset when separated from their caregiver, and may have difficulty calming down even when reunited.
Anxious-avoidant attachment is characterized by a child appearing to be indifferent or disinterested in their caregiver, and showing little distress when separated from them. These children may have experienced inconsistent or rejecting care from their caregiver, and as a result, have learned to suppress their attachment needs.
Ainsworth's work on attachment has had a major impact on our understanding of the importance of early relationships and the long-term effects that these relationships can have on an individual's development and well-being. Her contributions have helped to shape our understanding of how relationships with caregivers can influence an individual's ability to form healthy relationships with others throughout their life.
Attachment Types, Mary Ainsworth
In her view, a child needs an established secure base, or dependence, with their caregivers before venturing into the exploration of the world around them. Ironically, ambivalent adults experience great distress if the relationship ends. Separation anxiety Display anxious behaviours such as crying, protesting or seeking their caregiver when separated. To create her attachment theory, Ainsworth would create an observational technique that she called the Strange Situation Classification. For example, if you fall under the preoccupied or fearful attachment styles, you may have the belief that you are unlovable or are not deserving of love, respect, and meaningful relationships.
Mary Ainsworth Attachment Theory Explained
In Notable American women: Completing the twentieth century. Last update:03 June, 2021 In 1970, American psychologist Mary Ainsworth conducted an experiment called, The Strange Situation. What are Mary Ainsworth 4 attachment styles? Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum; 1991. Salter Ainsworth When children display these attachment behaviors, they try to get these needs met. Attachment in the Preschool Years: Theory, Research, and Intervention. The Strange Situation Procedure is divided into eight episodes, lasting for three minutes each. Insecure-avoidant attachment The frequency of insecure-avoidant attachment occurs in 20 percent of children.
What Are The Major Attachment Styles
Keep in mind that these are theoretical concepts developed by scientists and not strict, mutually exclusive categories. Description Proximity seeking Proximity seeking is concerned with how close the infant stays to its caregiver. Results of this study demonstrate a model of stress reactivity that reflects how the various classification of traditional ABC behaviors become a factor that is affecting physiological stress responses. Description AO1 Attachment Types: Secure and insecure attachments are examples of a particular type of style of attachment bond that may be established between any two individuals usually the mother and infant. You can start by entering the contest above! These behaviors include exploring the environment with ease, socializing with others, and enjoying intimacy without anxiety. These behaviors include: crying to get caregivers attention, smiling more at the caregiver than at others, singing more in the presence of the caregiver and then alone with strangers, crying when put down, following the caregiver, flying towards the caregiver when the caregiver Danger. One secure attachment style and two types of insecure attachments.
