The Strange Situation - Mary Ainsworth (1969)

In 1969, Mary Ainsworth introduced the 'strange situation' to study infant attachment. This method involves observing infants' reactions to a series of scenarios, including separations and reunions with their mothers. The study identifies three main attachment types: secure, ambivalent, and avoidant. In 1990, Main and Solomon added a fourth type, disorganized. Ainsworth's caregiver sensitivity hypothesis suggests that these attachment styles depend on maternal behavior during a critical development period.

What is the purpose of the strange situation classification developed by Mary Ainsworth?

What behaviors do researchers observe during the strange situation to assess attachment security?

Describe the three types of attachment identified by Ainsworth in her study.

How did Main and Solomon expand on Ainsworth's findings in 1990?

What does Ainsworth's caregiver sensitivity hypothesis suggest about infant attachment styles?