Definition:
The Strange Situation is a standardized assessment procedure used to evaluate the quality of attachment between an infant and their primary caregiver.
Procedure:
The Strange Situation involves a series of brief separations and reunions between the infant and their caregiver, conducted in a controlled laboratory setting. The procedure typically consists of eight episodes, each lasting approximately three minutes.
Episodes:
- Introduction: The infant and caregiver enter the unfamiliar room, allowing the infant to explore.
- Separation (Episode 1): The caregiver leaves the infant alone in the room for a short period of time.
- Reunion (Episode 1): The caregiver returns to the room and the interaction between them is observed.
- Separation (Episode 2): A stranger enters the room and the caregiver leaves, leaving the infant alone with the stranger.
- Reunion (Episode 2): The caregiver returns to the room and the stranger leaves.
- Separation (Episode 3): The caregiver leaves the infant alone in the room.
- Reunion (Episode 3): The caregiver returns to the room and the interaction between them is observed.
- Conclusion: The stranger leaves the room and the caregiver says goodbye to the infant before exiting.
Observations:
The Strange Situation allows researchers to observe how the infant responds to these brief separations and reunions. The behaviors exhibited by the infant are categorized into different attachment patterns, namely:
- Secure Attachment: Infants with secure attachment feel safe exploring their environment and show distress when the caregiver leaves, but can be easily comforted upon reunion.
- Avoidant Attachment: Infants with avoidant attachment display minimal distress upon separation and avoid seeking comfort from the caregiver upon reunion.
- Ambivalent/Resistant Attachment: Infants with ambivalent/resistant attachment show high levels of distress upon separation, and their behavior upon reunion is a mix of seeking and rejecting the caregiver’s comfort.
- Disorganized Attachment: Infants with disorganized attachment exhibit confusing and contradictory behaviors, suggesting a lack of organized attachment strategies.
Purpose:
The Strange Situation is widely used in research and clinical settings to assess the attachment relationship between infants and their caregivers, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of early parent-child interactions.