My notes summarise the stages of attachment in attachment efficiently, sometimes offering a simple explanation and sometimes offering a more detailed approach to the subject.
-Shaffer’s stages of attachment:
-Stages: identified by Shaffer and Emerson from a longitudinal observation study.
-Four stages:
Asocial (or pre-attachment stage)- 0-6 weeks. For the first few week's babies respond to
objects in a similar way to humans, such as smiling. Babies appear to be more content with
certain individuals and humans in general compared to objects.
Indiscriminate (or diffuse attachment stage)- 6 weeks to 7 months. Can be handled by
strangers and without distress, however, discriminates between familiar and unfamiliar
individuals, with a preference for familiar adults. No separation or stranger anxiety.
Specific (or discriminate attachment stage)- 7+ months. Separation and stranger anxiety
develop. Demonstrates preference for care giver/s such as the mother.
Multiple attachment stage- 9+ months. Attachment is observed towards several individuals,
such as brothers, sisters and grandparents. Fear of strangers decreases.
-Evaluative research:
Shaffer and Emerson (1964) Glaswegian baby study- Data collected over a year in monthly
observations and interviews when looking at 60 babies and their families, with a follow up
visit at 18 months. Two types of behaviour were looked at, stranger distress showing an
ability to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar people, separation anxiety showing the
development of an attachment bond. Found that separation anxiety in most babies by 25-32
weeks with stranger distress occurring in most babies approximately a month later. In the 18
months follow up 87% had developed multiple attachments. Strongest attachment was
those mothers with constant caregiver-infant interaction. Suggests that development occurs
in stages with all babies as suggested by Shaffer, perhaps being a biologically controlled
process. Also, the quality of caregiver-infant interaction had a direct impact on the strength
of the attachment for infants and their mothers. However, the sample was unrepresentative
as it was a group of working-class Glaswegian mothers in the 1960’s. Study may lack
temporal validity as childrearing techniques have drastically changed in the last 50 years.
Also, not representative of the UK or the world. However, the study did have high mundane
realism, families were visited in their own homes and strangers visiting the home would be a
normal occurrence, as would the caregiver leaving the presence of the infant. Used a
process of triangulation by incorporating a self-report.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller sunnydays. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £7.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
