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Attachment Theory (Ainsworth)
AP Psychology · Unit 6 Developmental Psychology
Learning Objectives
Strange Situation: Ainsworth's lab experiment observing infant behavior during separation from/reunion with caregiver in the presence of a stranger.
Secure Attachment: ~60% of infants. Distressed when parent leaves, comforted on return. Explores confidently using parent as "secure base."
Insecure Types: Avoidant (~20%), Anxious-Ambivalent (~15%), Disorganized (~5%). Each pattern predicts adult relationship styles.
Tags
AttachmentAinsworthStrange SituationBowlby
Attachment Type
ATTACHMENT PROFILE
Bowlby + Ainsworth: Bowlby proposed the evolutionary basis of attachment (critical period: first 2 years). Ainsworth developed the Strange Situation to classify attachment styles. Harlow's monkey experiments provided supporting evidence with contact comfort.