Types of attachment

Information regarding the types of attachment came from the findings of Ainsworth's research into individual differences in attachment.

You must be really clear on which attachment type is which and be aware that there are 4 factors on which you can draw comparisons between the different types.

Make sure you learn and know the table below.

Attachment type	Separation Anxiety	Stranger Anxiety	Reunion Behaviour	Willingness to Explore
Securely      Attached	Moderate distress	Wary of stranger	Enthusiastic	High (use mother as secure base)
Insecure-         Avoidant	None	No anxiety shown	Indifferent	High
Insecure-        Resistant	Very high	Very high	Seek & reject	Limited

 

A few little hints to help you remember which insecure attachment type is which...

Insecure-avoidant = avoid contact and so are independent (e.g. indifferent on separation etc)

Insecure-resistant = are resistant to being separated (e.g. distress on separation, confused reuinion behaviour)