How a Simple Test Redefined Human Attachment
Psychologist “Mary Ainsworth” revolutionized our knowledge of early emotional life in 1970 with her now-famous experiment — “The Strange Situation Test”. Expanding on John Bowlby's theory of attachment, Ainsworth sought to discover how babies create bonds and how they respond when those are temporarily disrupted. The experiment included “12–18 month-old infants” and their mothers under controlled conditions. The process was uncomplicated but insightful. The child and mother entered a room with a lot of toys. After some time, a stranger walked in and attempted to engage the child. The mother left the room and the response of the child was watched carefully. Lastly, the mother returned and Ainsworth observed how the child reacted to being reunited. From this arrangement, Ainsworth developed “three broad categories of attachment”: 1. Secure Attachment: The child is secure in exploring while the mother is around, becomes distressed when she departs, and is easi...