Stages of Attachment (Schaffer)

Match the following

• Indiscriminate Attachment​

• Stage 3: 7 to 12 Months​

• Discriminate (Specific) Attachment​

• Stage 2: 6 Weeks to 6 Months​

• Multiple Attachments​

• Stage 1: 0-6 weeks

• Beginnings of attachment – Asocial stage

• Stage 4: 1 Year +​

An infant shows similar responses to objects and people, although they do display a preference for faces / eyes.

What stage are they at?

• Stage 1

• Stage 2

• Stage 3

• Stage 4

An infant now shows a preference for human company over non-human company. They also have the ability to distinguish between different people, but are comforted indiscriminately (by anyone).​

What stage are they at?

• Asocial stage

• Indiscriminate attachment

• Discriminate attachment

• Multiple attachments

An Infant shows a preference for one caregiver, displaying separation and stranger anxiety.  The infant looks to a particular person for security, comfort and protection. 

• Asocial stage

• Indiscriminate attachment

• Discriminate attachment

• Multiple attachments

Attachment behaviours are now displayed towards several different people, e.g. siblings, grandparents, etc.

• Asocial stage

• Indiscriminate attachment

• Discriminate attachment

• Multiple attachments

Reorder the following

• Multiple attachments

• Indiscriminate attachment

• Asocial attachment

• Discriminate attachment