Type B: Secure Attachment: These infants explore happily while using the caregiver as a secure base. They show moderate separation and stranger anxiety but are easily comforted and show joy upon the caregiver's return. Approximately 66-70% of infants fall into this category.
Type A: Insecure-Avoidant: These infants explore freely but do not seek proximity or use the caregiver as a secure base. They show little to no reaction when the caregiver leaves or returns and treat the stranger similarly to the caregiver. This accounts for about 15-22% of infants.
Type C: Insecure-Resistant: These infants seek high levels of proximity and explore very little. They show intense distress during separation but, upon reunion, they may approach the caregiver only to angrily reject contact or comfort. This type is found in about 10-12% of infants.
The following table summarizes the behavioral differences between the three primary attachment types observed in the Strange Situation:
| Feature | Secure (Type B) | Insecure-Avoidant (Type A) | Insecure-Resistant (Type C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exploration | High (Secure Base) | High (Independent) | Low (Clingy) |
| Separation Anxiety | Moderate | Low/None | High/Distressed |
| Stranger Anxiety | Moderate | Low | High |
| Reunion Behavior | Enthusiastic/Soothed | Avoids/Ignores | Seeks but Resists |
The core distinction lies in the Internal Working Model the child has developed; secure children view the caregiver as reliable, avoidant children view them as indifferent, and resistant children view them as inconsistent.
Ainsworth proposed that the primary determinant of an infant's attachment type is the sensitivity of the caregiver. Sensitive caregivers respond promptly and appropriately to the infant's needs, fostering a sense of security and trust.
In contrast, caregivers of avoidant infants often ignore the child's emotional needs or are intrusive, leading the child to learn that expressing distress is futile. Caregivers of resistant infants are often inconsistent, sometimes responsive and sometimes neglectful, leaving the child uncertain and anxious.
This hypothesis suggests that attachment is not an innate trait of the child but a reflection of the relational history between the pair.
Focus on Reunion: When identifying attachment types in exam scenarios, always look at the reunion behavior first. It is the most diagnostic part of the procedure; if the child is comforted, they are likely Type B; if they ignore, they are Type A; if they are angry/conflicted, they are Type C.
Avoid Value Judgments: Do not describe insecure attachments as 'bad' or 'failed.' Instead, describe them as 'maladaptive' or 'insecure' patterns resulting from specific caregiving environments.
Check the Percentages: Remember that Secure (Type B) is the 'norm' in most cultures, typically representing around two-thirds of the population. If a scenario describes a rare or extreme behavior, look toward Type C.
Terminology Precision: Ensure you distinguish between 'separation anxiety' (fear of being alone) and 'stranger anxiety' (fear of unknown people). They are distinct measures in the Strange Situation.