Attachment theory emphasizes the biological function of bonds between individuals, the first being the bond between the infant and the caregiver. In this relationship, the infant desires to be physically close to the caregiver, especially if any type of danger is perceived (Sroufe, 1997). Behaviors such as crying and clinging are often directed to a specific ca

Ainsworth et al. (1969) described three principal patterns of attachment, which have been used to classify infants at one year of age. These styles of attachment are observed in the Strange Situation procedure which consists of a series of episodes in which the infant in able to interact with a stranger in the presence or absence of the mother. This was conducted at 14 months, as the first paradigm in the laboratory session. Three patterns have been identified which are secure, insecure-avoidance, and insecure-ambivalent (resistant). In the Strange Situation procedure, a secure infant is able to look around and explore when the mother is present. When the securely attached infant is separated from the mother, the infant shows emotions of distress and looks for the mother. At their reunion, the child seeks contact with the mother and is able to be soothed. The insecure-avoidance infants play when their mother is present. However, when the mother leaves, the separation does not appear to disturb or upset the infant. Neither does the infant look for the mother. When the avoidance infant's mother returns, the child does not seek contact or use the mother as a secure base, avoiding her, as much needs. This infant wants to be near the mother before she leaves and shows resistance and anger toward the mother when she returns. Among 108 children, 58 (54%) were classified as secure (B), and 50 (46%) as insecure. Of those class

Some topics in this essay:
Strange Situation, Egeland Carlson, Belsky Spritz, Overview Attachment, strange situation, contact mother, 22 33, strange situation procedure, 14 22 33, 9 14 22, mother returns, mother-child attachment, 14 22, behaviors crying, situation procedure, secure base, mother leaves,