Question 1

What is the difference between secure and insecure attachment?

Accepted Answer

Secure attachment is characterised by a child who uses their caregiver as a secure base to explore, shows distress when the caregiver leaves, and is easily comforted upon reunion. Insecure attachment includes avoidant (ignores caregiver, treats them as a stranger) and resistant (clingy, distressed at separation, not easily comforted). Secure attachment is linked to better social and emotional outcomes, while insecure types are risk factors for later difficulties.

Question 2

How does the Strange Situation measure attachment?

Accepted Answer

The Strange Situation is a 20-minute controlled observation involving eight episodes, including separations and reunions with the caregiver and a stranger. Researchers code behaviours like proximity seeking, exploration, separation anxiety, stranger anxiety, and reunion behaviour. Based on these, infants are classified as secure (Type B), insecure-avoidant (Type A), or insecure-resistant (Type C).

Question 3

Can a child form multiple attachments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Schaffer and Emerson's study found that by 18 months, most infants had formed multiple attachments, including to fathers, siblings, and grandparents. Bowlby's original monotropy theory suggested one primary attachment, but later research shows that multiple attachments are common and can all serve as secure bases, though the primary attachment remains the most influential.

Question 4

What is the role of the father in attachment?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests fathers can be primary attachment figures if they are the main caregiver, but typically they play a different role, often as playmates. Studies (e.g., Grossmann) show that fathers' sensitive play is linked to children's long-term social competence, while mothers' sensitive caregiving is more predictive of secure attachment. The father's role varies culturally and individually.

Question 5

How does attachment theory explain later relationships?

Accepted Answer

Bowlby's internal working model proposes that early attachment experiences create a mental template for future relationships. A securely attached child develops a positive model of self and others, leading to trusting, healthy relationships. Insecure attachment can result in difficulties with intimacy, fear of rejection, or overly dependent behaviour. However, this model is not deterministic; later experiences can modify it.

Question 6

What are the criticisms of Bowlby's maternal deprivation hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Critics argue that Bowlby's hypothesis overemphasises the mother's role and ignores the impact of other caregivers. Rutter's research on Romanian orphans showed that severe deprivation could be partially reversed with good care, suggesting a sensitive period rather than a critical one. Additionally, the hypothesis is based on correlational data, so causation cannot be firmly established.

Attachment

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