Strange Situation Experiment

Definition

The Strange Situation Experiment is a procedure devised by Mary Ainsworth to observe attachment relationships between a caregiver and child. It's designed to observe the child's response to separation from and reunion with the caregiver in a controlled but play-like setting.

Analogy

Think of the Strange Situation Experiment like an obstacle course for emotional responses. The child navigates through different stages (obstacles) such as being alone, being with a stranger, or reuniting with their caregiver, and their reactions are observed and analyzed.

Related terms

Separation Anxiety: This is distress experienced by infants when they are separated from their primary caregivers. Like crying when mom leaves for work.

Stranger Anxiety: This is the fear that infants often show towards strangers. Like clinging onto mom when a new person tries to hold them.

Reunion Behavior: This refers to how the infant behaves upon reuniting with their primary caregiver after separation. Like showing excitement or relief when mom returns home from work.