Ainsworth Experiment Quiz: Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation Study

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Questions and Answers

According to Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation experiment, what is the typical behavior of a securely attached baby when the parent leaves?

Slaps the parent

Doesn't cry, just looks around

Acts as if nothing happened

Cries and becomes anxious (correct)

In the Strange Situation experiment, what is the behavior of an insecurely attached baby when the parent returns?

Cries and becomes anxious

Acts as if nothing happened

Doesn't cry, just looks around (correct)

Slaps the parent

What is a possible consequence of a mother being frequently unavailable in the context of attachment according to Bowlby's theory?

Anxiety develops (correct)

Disorganized attachment forms

The baby becomes indifferent

Secure attachment develops

How does Bowlby describe a child's sense of distress during separation according to his theory?

As anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the behavior of a disorganized attached baby in the Strange Situation experiment?

Acts as if nothing happened Signup and view all the answers

When a stranger enters the room in the Strange Situation experiment, how does a securely attached baby typically react?

Cries and becomes anxious Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Strange Situation study developed by Mary Ainsworth?

To assess the quality and security of an infant's attachment Signup and view all the answers

What does the Secure Base Effect refer to in attachment theory?

Enabling children to explore the environment while knowing they can return to their attachment figure Signup and view all the answers

What is a transitional object in attachment theory?

An object or behavior that gives children a sense of security during exploration Signup and view all the answers

What role does attachment play in reducing anxiety according to the text?

Attachment serves to reduce anxiety by providing a secure base for exploration Signup and view all the answers

How does the Secure Base Effect help children with anxious feelings?

It gives them confidence to explore while knowing they have a safe place to return to Signup and view all the answers

What is another term for ANACLITIC DEPRESSION mentioned in the text?

Hospitalism Signup and view all the answers

Which researcher first described ANACLITIC DEPRESSION as hospitalism?

Rene Spitz Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is observed in children suffering from ANACLITIC DEPRESSION?

Withdrawn and non-responsive Signup and view all the answers

What can help children recover from ANACLITIC DEPRESSION according to the text?

Return of their mothers or surrogate mothering Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might children show if they are rejected by or afraid of their parents?

Increased attachment behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the psychological effect on patients if they are able to attach to their therapists according to the text?

Secure base effect is seen Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Strange Situation Procedure

Developed by Mary Ainsworth to assess attachment security in infants
Comprises 7 episodes, including separation and reunion of parent and infant
Performed on infants less than 24 months old

Attachment Types

Secure attachment: Baby cries when parent leaves, welcomes parent upon return
Insecure attachment: Baby doesn't cry, looks around, or is unaffected when parent leaves
Disorganized attachment: Baby appears unaffected or confused when parent leaves and returns

Bowlby's Theory of Anxiety

Anxiety in children arises from perceived separation from caregivers
Separation anxiety is relieved by the caregiver's presence and comfort
Inconsistent or unavailable caregivers can lead to anxiety development

Secure Base Effect

Enables children to explore their environment, knowing they can return to their caregiver
Provides a sense of security, even when not in physical contact
Can be achieved through inanimate objects or behaviors, such as transitional objects or thumb-sucking

Disorganization and Psychosis

Disorganized attachment is linked to severe personality disorders and dissociative phenomena
Severe dissociation can lead to psychosis

Anaclitic Depression

Also known as hospitalism, it occurs when infants are separated from their caregivers
Symptoms include depression, withdrawal, and increased vulnerability to illness
Reunification with caregivers or surrogate mothering can reverse the condition

Child Maltreatment and Attachment

Abused children may maintain attachments to abusive caregivers
Severe punishment and maltreatment can increase attachment behavior
Rejecting or fearful parental behavior can also increase attachment

Psychiatric Applications

Secure attachment to therapists can facilitate risk-taking and new behavior patterns
Pathology stemming from early attachments may be replicated in therapy
Children may form secure attachments to therapists, promoting psychological well-being

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Description

Learn about the steps involved in Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation experiment, which assesses the attachment between infants and their caregivers. The experiment involves various stages like the parent leaving the room, a stranger entering, and the parent returning.

Mary Ainsworth's Strange Situation Experiment Steps