Attachment: Types of attachment
Ainsworth: Types of attachment
Mary Ainsworth identified three types of attachment: Secure attachment (Type B), Insecure avoidant (Type A) and Insecure Resistant (Type C). Ainsworth found that these types of attachments were the result of early interactions with the mother.
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Type B - Secure attachment
Ainsworth found that 70% of children had a strong bond with their mother. The child was able to explore but seeks proximity with caregiver (secure base). They show moderate separation anxiety and stranger anxiety. When the mother re-enters the room the child requires and accepts comfort from the caregiver on reunion.
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Example: ‘Raji is watching a television programme while playing. He becomes scared by the programme and climbs onto his mother’s lap. He is comforted by his mother, and calms down. When he is calmer, he climbs down and continues playing.’
Type A - Insecure Avoidant
15% of children were insecure avoidant. The child was able to explore freely and not seek proximity (no secure base). They show little/no separation anxiety and they do not require comfort at the reunion stage.
Example: ‘Sarah is at the park. Her mother quickly pops into a shop while Sarah is playing. Sarah cannot see her mother and can only see strangers. She continues playing seemingly unbothered by the absence of her mother.’
Type C - Insecure Resistant
15% of children were insecure resistant. The child explores less and seeks greater proximity. They show a considerable amount of stranger and separation anxiety, and at they reunion stage they resist comfort when they reunite with their mother.
Example: ‘Katie is at playgroup with her mother. She seems disorganised and constantly keeps coming back to her mother while playing. She cries a lot. When her mother leaves the room briefly, Katie cries loudly. She won’t let any other adult pick her up. When her mother returns Katie is clingy, but will not let her mother hug her.’
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Evaluation
Infants typed as secure typically go on to have better outcomes many areas. Stams (2002) found children had superior social and cognitive development at age 7.
Main and Solomon (1986) pointed out that some children display atypical attachments that do not fit types A,B or C. This is disorganised attachment as it is a mix of avoidant and resistant behaviours. This challenges Ainsworth’s initial notion of attachment types and could question wether the Strange situation is a useful method to identify these types.
Key terms:
Secure attachment - Generally thought as the most desirable attachment type, associated with psychologically healthy outcomes.
Insecure-avoidant attachment - An attachment type characterised by low anxiety but weak attachment.
Insecure-resistant attachment - An attachment type characterised by strong attachment and high anxiety.
