Types of attachment | AQA A-Level Psychology Revision
Updated: Sep 9
For 7182 specification, first teach in September 2025
AQA A-Level Psychology | Free Revision Notes
Estimated study time: 35 minutes
These Types of attachment A-Level Psychology revision notes explain the three attachment classifications identified through Ainsworth’s controlled observation: secure, insecure-avoidant and insecure-resistant attachment. Each type is recognised through a pattern of exploration, stranger anxiety, separation anxiety and reunion behaviour. You will learn how to describe each classification accurately and distinguish between them using direct comparisons rather than relying on a single behaviour such as crying. All three classifications are required by the AQA specification.
Learning Objectives 🎯
By the end of this revision page, you should be able to:
Describe secure attachment.
Describe insecure-avoidant attachment.
Describe insecure-resistant attachment.
Identify each attachment type from an unfamiliar scenario.
Compare exploration, separation anxiety, stranger anxiety and reunion behaviour.
Distinguish clearly between all three attachment types.
These objectives match Lesson 6 of the course plan.
Revision Notes đź“š
Types of attachment A-Level Psychology revision overview
Ainsworth identified three patterns of attachment behaviour:
Secure attachment
Insecure-avoidant attachment
Insecure-resistant attachment
These classifications are based on behaviour observed during separation, stranger contact and reunion.
The types are not identified from one isolated action.
Observers consider the infant’s overall pattern of:
Exploration.
Use of the caregiver as a secure base.
Stranger anxiety.
Separation anxiety.
Proximity-seeking.
Reunion behaviour.
Ease of comfort.
Attachment classification
An attachment classification is a category describing the pattern of behaviour an infant shows towards a particular caregiver.
The classification does not describe:
The infant’s entire personality.
Every relationship the infant has.
Behaviour in every possible situation.
A permanent and unchangeable characteristic.
An infant may behave differently with different caregivers because attachment is assessed within a particular relationship.
The three labels
The attachment types may also be identified using letters:
Classification | Alternative label |
Insecure-avoidant | Type A |
Secure | Type B |
Insecure-resistant | Type C |
In an examination, the full labels are usually clearer than the letters alone.
Behavioural indicators
The same core behaviours are used to distinguish the three types.
Behaviour | What is being assessed? |
Exploration | Whether the infant investigates the environment |
Secure-base behaviour | Whether the caregiver provides confidence for exploration |
Stranger anxiety | The response to an unfamiliar adult |
Separation anxiety | The response when the caregiver leaves |
Proximity-seeking | Attempts to gain closeness to the caregiver |
Reunion behaviour | The response when the caregiver returns |
Ease of comfort | Whether contact with the caregiver reduces distress |
Reunion behaviour is particularly useful because it shows whether the caregiver can restore the infant’s sense of security.
Secure attachment
What is secure attachment?
Secure attachment is a pattern in which an infant feels confident exploring when the caregiver is present, shows distress when the caregiver leaves and seeks comfort when the caregiver returns.
The caregiver provides a reliable secure base.
A securely attached infant generally:
Explores the unfamiliar environment.
Uses the caregiver as a secure base.
Shows some stranger anxiety.
Shows separation anxiety when the caregiver leaves.
Seeks proximity at reunion.
Accepts comfort from the caregiver.
Becomes calm relatively quickly.
Returns to exploration after being reassured.
Clearly prefers the caregiver to the stranger.
Exploration
Securely attached infants are usually willing to explore when the caregiver is present.
They may:
Play with the toys.
Move around the room.
Look back towards the caregiver.
Return briefly for reassurance.
Continue exploring after checking that the caregiver remains available.
This does not mean that the infant is independent of the caregiver.
The infant can explore because they trust that the caregiver is available if needed.
Secure-base behaviour
A securely attached infant balances exploration and proximity.
The pattern is:
The caregiver is present.
The infant explores.
Something creates uncertainty.
The infant seeks or checks the caregiver.
The caregiver provides reassurance.
The infant returns to play.
This behaviour is consistent with Bowlby’s view that attachment provides protection and security.
Stranger anxiety
A securely attached infant may show moderate anxiety towards the stranger.
The infant might:
Watch the stranger carefully.
Move closer to the caregiver.
Become less willing to explore.
Resist contact with the stranger.
However, the infant is usually less distressed when the caregiver remains present.
Separation anxiety
A securely attached infant is likely to show distress when the caregiver leaves.
This may include:
Crying.
Searching for the caregiver.
Moving towards the door.
Stopping exploration.
Refusing comfort from the stranger.
The presence of separation anxiety indicates that the caregiver is significant to the infant.
However, separation anxiety alone does not prove secure attachment.
Reunion behaviour
At reunion, a securely attached infant typically:
Approaches the caregiver.
Reaches to be picked up.
Accepts physical contact.
Gains comfort.
Becomes calmer.
Resumes exploration.
The important feature is that contact with the caregiver is effective in reducing distress.
Preference for the caregiver
A securely attached infant usually shows a clear preference for the caregiver over the stranger.
The stranger may provide some distraction or comfort, but the caregiver is more effective.
Example of secure attachment
Ava explores an unfamiliar room while her father is present.
When a stranger enters, Ava moves closer to her father. She cries when he leaves. When he returns, Ava reaches towards him, quickly settles and then returns to the toys.
Ava’s behaviour indicates secure attachment because she:
Uses her father as a secure base.
Shows stranger anxiety.
Shows separation anxiety.
Seeks proximity at reunion.
Is easily comforted.
Returns to exploration.
Secure attachment in one sentence
A securely attached infant explores confidently in the caregiver’s presence, is distressed by separation and seeks and accepts comfort at reunion.
Insecure-avoidant attachment
What is insecure-avoidant attachment?
Insecure-avoidant attachment is a pattern in which an infant shows relatively little visible distress during separation and avoids or ignores the caregiver at reunion.
The infant appears relatively independent of the caregiver.
An insecure-avoidant infant generally:
Explores freely.
Shows limited secure-base behaviour.
Shows little stranger anxiety.
Shows little visible separation anxiety.
Does not strongly seek proximity at reunion.
Avoids or ignores the caregiver.
May treat the caregiver and stranger similarly.
Is not strongly affected by the caregiver’s departure or return.
Exploration
Insecure-avoidant infants may explore the room readily.
However, their exploration differs from secure-base behaviour.
They may:
Explore without frequently checking the caregiver.
Show limited reference to the caregiver.
Continue playing after the caregiver leaves.
Appear equally comfortable with the stranger present.
High exploration alone does not prove secure attachment.
The key question is whether the infant uses the caregiver as a source of security.
Stranger anxiety
Insecure-avoidant infants generally show little stranger anxiety.
They may:
Accept contact from the stranger.
Continue playing when the stranger enters.
Respond similarly to the caregiver and stranger.
Show little clear preference for the caregiver.
Separation anxiety
An insecure-avoidant infant usually shows little visible distress when the caregiver leaves.
The infant may:
Continue playing.
Show little searching behaviour.
Remain near the stranger.
Appear unaffected by the separation.
This does not mean that the infant has no attachment.
It describes the outward behavioural pattern observed during the procedure.
Reunion behaviour
The most characteristic behaviour occurs at reunion.
An insecure-avoidant infant may:
Ignore the caregiver.
Turn away.
Avoid eye contact.
Continue playing.
Refuse or move away from contact.
Show little response to the caregiver’s return.
The infant does not display the clear proximity-seeking and comfort response associated with secure attachment.
Avoidance
Avoidance means that the infant does not seek or actively moves away from interaction with the caregiver.
Examples include:
Turning the head away.
Moving away from the caregiver.
Failing to reach towards the caregiver.
Ignoring an attempt at contact.
Avoidance is especially important during reunion episodes.
Caregiver and stranger
An insecure-avoidant infant may treat the caregiver and stranger in a relatively similar way.
This contrasts with secure and insecure-resistant infants, who usually show a clearer preference for the caregiver.
Example of insecure-avoidant attachment
Oscar explores the toys without regularly looking towards his mother.
He continues playing when she leaves and accepts attention from the stranger. When his mother returns, Oscar turns away and does not approach her.
Oscar’s behaviour indicates insecure-avoidant attachment because he:
Shows limited secure-base behaviour.
Displays little stranger anxiety.
Displays little visible separation anxiety.
Avoids contact at reunion.
Shows little preference for his mother over the stranger.
Insecure-avoidant attachment in one sentence
An insecure-avoidant infant shows little visible separation or stranger anxiety and avoids or ignores the caregiver at reunion.
Insecure-resistant attachment
What is insecure-resistant attachment?
Insecure-resistant attachment is a pattern in which an infant shows intense distress during separation but responds ambivalently when the caregiver returns.
Ambivalent means showing conflicting behaviours.
The infant seeks closeness but also resists comfort.
An insecure-resistant infant generally:
Explores very little.
Remains close to the caregiver.
Shows high stranger anxiety.
Shows intense separation anxiety.
Seeks proximity at reunion.
Resists contact or comfort.
May push the caregiver away.
Is difficult to soothe.
Does not quickly return to exploration.
Limited exploration
Insecure-resistant infants often show low exploration.
They may:
Remain close to the caregiver.
Cling to the caregiver.
Be reluctant to investigate toys.
Become distressed when encouraged to explore.
Find it difficult to move away from the caregiver.
The caregiver does not appear to provide a secure base that supports confident exploration.
Stranger anxiety
Insecure-resistant infants generally show high stranger anxiety.
They may:
Cry when the stranger enters.
Refuse contact.
Move towards the caregiver.
Remain distressed even when the caregiver is present.
Be difficult for the stranger to comfort.
Separation anxiety
Separation often produces intense distress.
The infant may:
Cry strongly.
Search for the caregiver.
Refuse to play.
Reject the stranger.
Remain highly distressed throughout the separation.
However, intense separation anxiety alone does not identify insecure-resistant attachment.
The reunion response is needed to distinguish it from secure attachment.
Reunion behaviour
At reunion, an insecure-resistant infant displays conflicting behaviour.
The infant may:
Approach the caregiver.
Reach to be picked up.
Cling tightly.
Push the caregiver away.
Hit or resist the caregiver.
Arch away from contact.
Remain distressed despite being held.
The infant wants proximity but does not gain effective comfort from it.
Resistance
Resistance refers to behaviour that opposes contact or comfort.
Examples include:
Pushing the caregiver away.
Struggling when held.
Resisting being put down.
Seeking contact and then rejecting it.
Remaining angry after the caregiver returns.
The mixture of seeking and resisting contact is the defining feature.
Difficulty being comforted
An insecure-resistant infant may continue crying after reunion.
Unlike a securely attached infant, they do not quickly settle and return to exploration.
The caregiver’s return does not restore security effectively.
Example of insecure-resistant attachment
Mina remains close to her caregiver and shows little interest in the toys.
She becomes extremely distressed when the caregiver leaves. At reunion, Mina reaches to be picked up but then pushes against the caregiver and continues crying.
Mina’s behaviour indicates insecure-resistant attachment because she:
Explores very little.
Shows intense separation anxiety.
Seeks proximity.
Resists contact.
Is difficult to comfort.
Displays ambivalent reunion behaviour.
Insecure-resistant attachment in one sentence
An insecure-resistant infant shows intense separation and stranger anxiety, seeks contact at reunion but resists comfort and remains distressed.
Comparing the three attachment types
Full comparison table
Behaviour | Secure | Insecure-avoidant | Insecure-resistant |
Exploration | Explores confidently | Explores independently with limited reference to caregiver | Explores very little |
Secure-base behaviour | Clearly uses caregiver as a secure base | Limited use of caregiver as a secure base | Remains close but does not explore confidently |
Stranger anxiety | Moderate | Low | High |
Separation anxiety | Clear or moderate distress | Little visible distress | Intense distress |
Proximity-seeking at reunion | Approaches and seeks contact | Little proximity-seeking | Strongly seeks contact |
Response to contact | Accepts comfort | Avoids or ignores contact | Seeks but resists contact |
Ease of comfort | Easily comforted | Shows little obvious need for comfort | Difficult to comfort |
Return to exploration | Usually returns after reassurance | Often continues exploring | Unlikely to return quickly |
Preference for caregiver | Clear preference over stranger | Little clear preference | Strong preference but conflicted response |
Alternative label | Type B | Type A | Type C |
Secure compared with insecure-avoidant
Both secure and insecure-avoidant infants may explore the environment.
However:
Secure infants use the caregiver as a secure base.
Avoidant infants show limited reference to the caregiver.
During separation:
Secure infants usually show distress.
Avoidant infants show little visible distress.
At reunion:
Secure infants seek and accept comfort.
Avoidant infants avoid or ignore the caregiver.
Secure compared with insecure-resistant
Both secure and resistant infants may:
Show separation anxiety.
Prefer the caregiver to the stranger.
Seek proximity at reunion.
However:
Secure infants explore more confidently.
Resistant infants remain close and explore less.
At reunion:
Secure infants accept comfort and settle.
Resistant infants seek contact but resist it and remain distressed.
The reunion response is the clearest distinction.
Insecure-avoidant compared with insecure-resistant
These attachment types show almost opposite patterns.
Insecure-avoidant infants:
Explore more.
Show little visible separation distress.
Show little stranger anxiety.
Avoid contact at reunion.
Insecure-resistant infants:
Explore very little.
Show intense separation distress.
Show strong stranger anxiety.
Seek contact but resist comfort at reunion.
Proximity-seeking is not enough
Both secure and insecure-resistant infants may approach the caregiver at reunion.
To distinguish them, ask:
Does the infant accept comfort and become calm?
If yes, the pattern is more consistent with secure attachment.
If the infant resists and remains distressed, the pattern is more consistent with insecure-resistant attachment.
Exploration is not enough
Both secure and insecure-avoidant infants may explore.
To distinguish them, ask:
Does the infant use the caregiver as a secure base?
Secure infants check and return to the caregiver.
Avoidant infants show limited reference to the caregiver.
Crying is not enough
Both secure and insecure-resistant infants may cry during separation.
To distinguish them, examine reunion:
Secure infants are comforted.
Resistant infants remain distressed and resist contact.
An avoidant infant may show little visible crying but still be classified as attached.
A step-by-step classification method
When given a scenario, use the following sequence.
Step 1: Examine exploration
Ask:
Does the infant explore confidently?
Do they remain close to the caregiver?
Do they check or return to the caregiver?
Step 2: Examine stranger anxiety
Ask:
Is the infant wary of the stranger?
Does the infant treat the stranger and caregiver similarly?
Can the stranger provide comfort?
Step 3: Examine separation anxiety
Ask:
Does the infant become distressed?
Is the distress mild, moderate or intense?
Does the infant continue playing?
Step 4: Examine reunion behaviour
Ask:
Does the infant approach?
Do they avoid the caregiver?
Do they resist contact?
Are they easily comforted?
Step 5: Match the complete pattern
Pattern | Likely classification |
Explores, shows distress, seeks and accepts comfort | Secure |
Explores, shows little distress, avoids caregiver | Insecure-avoidant |
Low exploration, intense distress, seeks but resists comfort | Insecure-resistant |
Applying attachment classifications
Scenario 1
When his caregiver is present, Arlo plays with the toys and occasionally returns to her.
He cries when she leaves. When she returns, he reaches towards her, settles quickly and resumes playing.
This is secure attachment because Arlo:
Uses the caregiver as a secure base.
Shows separation anxiety.
Seeks proximity.
Accepts comfort.
Returns to exploration.
Scenario 2
Bea plays throughout the procedure and shows little reaction when her caregiver leaves.
She accepts attention from the stranger. When her caregiver returns, Bea looks away and continues playing.
This is insecure-avoidant attachment because Bea:
Shows little visible separation anxiety.
Shows little stranger anxiety.
Displays avoidance at reunion.
Shows little clear preference for the caregiver.
Scenario 3
Callum remains beside his caregiver and does not explore.
He becomes extremely distressed when she leaves. At reunion, he reaches to be held but then pushes her away and continues crying.
This is insecure-resistant attachment because Callum:
Shows limited exploration.
Displays intense separation anxiety.
Seeks contact.
Resists comfort.
Remains distressed.
Scenario containing incomplete information
Suppose an infant cries when the caregiver leaves.
This behaviour could be consistent with:
Secure attachment.
Insecure-resistant attachment.
There is not enough information to classify the attachment.
You would also need to know:
How much the infant explored.
Their response to the stranger.
What happened at reunion.
Whether the caregiver provided effective comfort.
Attachment type and the internal working model
Bowlby proposed that early attachment contributes to an internal working model, which contains expectations about the self and other people.
A secure relationship may support expectations that:
Caregivers are available.
Seeking comfort is effective.
The infant is worthy of care.
An insecure relationship may support less secure expectations.
However, attachment classification should not be treated as a certain prediction of the future.
Later relationships and experiences can also influence development.
The possible continuity between attachment and later social behaviour is explored through the influence of early bonds on later relationships.
Attachment type and culture
The Strange Situation has been used in different countries and cultures.
However, childcare practices may affect:
Experience of separation.
Familiarity with strangers.
Expectations of independence.
Levels of physical closeness.
Behaviour during reunion.
A behavioural pattern should therefore be interpreted within its cultural context.
The distribution and interpretation of attachment classifications across cultures are examined in research comparing attachment across countries.
Hints from the Examiner Reports đź’ˇ
Examiner hint:Â When the command word is distinguish, make a direct comparison. Separate descriptions of two attachment types may not demonstrate the required distinction.
Examiner hint: Use the complete classification. Writing only “insecure” is not precise enough because both insecure-avoidant and insecure-resistant attachment exist.
Examiner hint:Â Compare the same behaviour across the types. For example:
Secure infants seek and accept comfort, whereas insecure-resistant infants seek contact but resist comfort.
Examiner hint:Â Do not classify an infant using separation anxiety alone. Use exploration, stranger response and especially reunion behaviour.
Examiner hint: In an application question, use the details provided. Naming an attachment type without linking it to the infant’s behaviour is unlikely to gain full credit.
Examiner hint: Avoid vague wording such as “the child does not care” or “the child loves the caregiver more”. Describe observable behaviour using specialist terminology.
Examiner hint:Â Insecure-avoidant infants should not be described as having no attachment. The label describes a particular pattern of attachment behaviour.
Examiner hint:Â Keep approach and resistance separate. An insecure-resistant infant wants proximity but is not easily comforted by it.
Common Mistakes ⚠️
Mistake: Saying secure infants never become distressed
Why this is incorrect:
Securely attached infants generally show separation anxiety.
How to improve:
Explain that they seek and gain comfort when the caregiver returns.
Mistake: Saying the infant who cries most has the strongest attachment
Why this is incorrect:
Intense crying may occur in insecure-resistant attachment.
How to improve:
Use the reunion response and ease of comfort to identify the type.
Mistake: Saying insecure-avoidant infants are not attached
Why this is incorrect:
They display an avoidant attachment pattern.
How to improve:
Describe their limited visible distress and avoidance at reunion.
Mistake: Saying insecure-avoidant infants do not explore
Why this is incorrect:
They often explore freely.
How to improve:
Explain that they show limited use of the caregiver as a secure base.
Mistake: Saying high exploration automatically means secure attachment
Why this is incorrect:
Both secure and avoidant infants may explore.
How to improve:
Look at whether the infant checks, returns to and gains comfort from the caregiver.
Mistake: Saying insecure-resistant infants avoid the caregiver completely
Why this is incorrect:
They usually seek proximity but also resist contact.
How to improve:
Describe the mixed or ambivalent reunion behaviour.
Mistake: Calling insecure-resistant attachment simply “clingy”
Why this is incomplete:
Clinging alone does not show the complete pattern.
How to improve:
Include limited exploration, intense separation anxiety and resistance to comfort.
Mistake: Confusing resistance with avoidance
Why this is incorrect:
Avoidance means not seeking or moving away from contact. Resistance combines contact-seeking with rejection.
How to improve:
Remember:
Avoidant = does not seek contact.
Resistant = seeks contact but rejects comfort.
Mistake: Saying secure infants prefer the stranger
Why this is incorrect:
Secure infants normally show a clear preference for the caregiver.
How to improve:
Explain that the caregiver provides more effective comfort than the stranger.
Mistake: Using only the labels A, B and C
Why this can reduce clarity:
The examiner may require the named classification.
How to improve:
Write the full name and include the letter only as an additional label.
Mistake: Describing three unrelated lists
Why this may not answer “distinguish”:
The differences have not been made explicit.
How to improve:
Use comparative wording such as:
Whereas
In contrast
Unlike
More than
Less than
Mistake: Treating the classification as permanent
Why this is inaccurate:
The Strange Situation assesses behaviour in one relationship and setting.
How to improve:
Refer to an observed attachment pattern rather than a fixed personality type.
Exam-Style Questions ✍️
Question 1
Which attachment type is associated with seeking contact at reunion but resisting attempts to provide comfort?
A. Secure
B. Insecure-avoidant
C. Insecure-resistant
D. No attachment
[1 mark]
reveal mark scheme and indicative content
Answer: C. Insecure-resistant
Question 2
Define secure attachment.
[2 marks]
reveal mark scheme and indicative content
Mark scheme
AO1 = 2
2 marks:Â Clear definition referring to an attachment in which the infant uses the caregiver as a secure base and seeks and accepts comfort from them.
1 mark:Â Limited or partial definition.
Indicative content
Securely attached infants typically:
use the caregiver as a secure base for exploration
show some separation anxiety
show stranger anxiety
seek proximity at reunion
are readily comforted and return to exploration.
Example answer
Secure attachment is an attachment in which an infant uses the caregiver as a secure base and seeks and accepts comfort from them when distressed.
Question 3
Outline two characteristics of insecure-avoidant attachment.
[4 marks]
reveal mark scheme and indicative content
Mark scheme
AO1 = 4
Award up to 2 marks for each characteristic.
Indicative content
Credit any two:
Low separation anxiety, the infant shows little distress when the caregiver leaves.
Low stranger anxiety, the infant may respond similarly to the stranger and caregiver.
Avoidant reunion behaviour, the infant shows little interest in the caregiver's return or actively avoids contact.
High independent exploration, with relatively little reference to the caregiver as a secure base.
Low proximity seeking.
AQA specifically distinguishes insecure-avoidant attachment by low separation anxiety, low stranger anxiety, indifference at reunion and relatively independent behaviour.
Example answer
Insecure-avoidant infants show little separation anxiety when the caregiver leaves. They also tend to avoid or show little response to the caregiver when they return.
Question 4
Explain one difference between secure and insecure-resistant attachment.
[3 marks]
reveal mark scheme and indicative content
Mark scheme
AO1 = 3
Award marks for one clear difference:
1 mark:Â Accurate characteristic of secure attachment.
1 mark:Â Contrasting characteristic of insecure-resistant attachment.
1 mark:Â Clear comparison or elaboration.
Indicative content
For example:
Secure infants are readily comforted at reunion, whereas insecure-resistant infants seek contact but resist comfort.
Secure infants show moderate separation anxiety, whereas resistant infants generally show high separation anxiety.
Secure infants explore confidently using the caregiver as a secure base, whereas resistant infants tend to explore less.
Example answer
Secure infants seek contact with the caregiver at reunion and are usually comforted quite easily. Insecure-resistant infants also seek contact but may resist the caregiver's attempts to comfort them, showing ambivalent reunion behaviour.
Question 5
Toby explores an unfamiliar room without frequently looking towards his caregiver. He shows little distress when she leaves and turns away when she returns.
Identify Toby’s attachment type. Explain your answer.
[4 marks]
reveal mark scheme and indicative content
Mark scheme
AO2 = 4
Award 1 mark each for:
Correctly identifying insecure-avoidant attachment.
Toby explores independently with few checks of his caregiver.
He shows low separation anxiety when she leaves.
Turning away when she returns demonstrates avoidant reunion behaviour.
Example answer
Toby shows an insecure-avoidant attachment. He explores independently without using his caregiver much as a secure base and shows little separation anxiety when she leaves. He also turns away from her at reunion, which is characteristic of avoidance.
Question 6
Lena cries intensely when her father leaves. When he returns, she reaches to be held but then pushes him away and continues crying.
Identify Lena’s attachment type. Explain your answer.
[4 marks]
reveal mark scheme and indicative content
Mark scheme
AO2 = 4
Award 1 mark each for:
Correctly identifying insecure-resistant attachment.
Lena shows high separation anxiety when her father leaves.
She seeks proximity by reaching to be held when he returns.
She then pushes him away and remains distressed, demonstrating resistant or ambivalent reunion behaviour.
Example answer
Lena shows an insecure-resistant attachment. Her intense crying when her father leaves shows high separation anxiety. At reunion she seeks contact by reaching to be held but then pushes him away and remains upset. This combination of proximity seeking and resistance is characteristic of insecure-resistant attachment.
Question 7
Two infants take part in the Strange Situation.
Behaviour | Infant X | Infant Y |
Exploration | High, with regular checks of caregiver | High, with few checks of caregiver |
Separation anxiety | Moderate | Low |
Reunion behaviour | Approaches and settles | Turns away and avoids contact |
Response to stranger | Wary | Accepts contact |
Identify the attachment type shown by each infant. Use the data to justify both answers.
[6 marks]
reveal mark scheme and indicative content
Mark scheme
AO2 = 6
Award up to 3 marks for each infant.
Indicative content
Infant X, secure attachment
Correct identification as secure.
Explores while regularly checking the caregiver, showing use of a secure base.
Shows moderate separation anxiety.
Approaches and settles at reunion.
Is wary of the stranger.
Infant Y, insecure-avoidant attachment
Correct identification as insecure-avoidant.
High exploration with few checks of the caregiver suggests independence.
Shows low separation anxiety.
Turns away and avoids contact at reunion.
Accepts contact from the stranger.
Example answer
Infant X is securely attached. X explores confidently but regularly checks the caregiver, showing secure-base behaviour. X also shows some separation anxiety and approaches and settles when the caregiver returns.
Infant Y is insecure-avoidant. Y explores with few checks of the caregiver, shows little separation anxiety and turns away from the caregiver at reunion. Y also readily accepts contact from the stranger.
Question 8
A psychologist states:
“An infant who shows intense separation anxiety must be securely attached.”
Use your knowledge of attachment types to explain why this conclusion is incorrect.
[4 marks]
reveal mark scheme and indicative content
Explain why intense separation anxiety does not necessarily mean secure attachment. [4 marks]
Mark scheme
AO2 = 4
Award 1 mark each for:
Separation anxiety alone cannot determine attachment type.
Secure infants generally show some or moderate separation anxiety.
Insecure-resistant infants can show very high separation anxiety.
Other behaviours, particularly reunion behaviour, exploration and stranger anxiety, must also be considered.
Example answer
The conclusion is incorrect because separation anxiety is only one behaviour used to classify attachment. Insecure-resistant infants often show very intense separation anxiety, so high distress does not automatically indicate secure attachment. A researcher would also need to examine behaviours such as exploration and reunion response.
Question 9
Distinguish between insecure-avoidant and insecure-resistant attachment. Refer to exploration, separation anxiety and reunion behaviour.
[6 marks]
reveal mark scheme and indicative content
Mark scheme
AO1 = 6
Award up to 2 marks for each required comparison.
Indicative content
Exploration
Insecure-avoidant infants typically show relatively high independent exploration and make little use of the caregiver as a secure base.
Insecure-resistant infants generally show lower exploration and may remain close to the caregiver.
Separation anxiety
Insecure-avoidant infants show low separation anxiety.
Insecure-resistant infants show high separation anxiety.
Reunion behaviour
Insecure-avoidant infants tend to avoid or ignore the caregiver.
Insecure-resistant infants seek proximity but resist comfort, showing ambivalent behaviour.
AQA's 2021 mark scheme explicitly credits low versus high separation anxiety and indifference versus ambivalence at reunion when distinguishing these attachment types.
Example answer
Insecure-avoidant infants tend to explore independently and make relatively little use of the caregiver as a secure base, whereas insecure-resistant infants explore less and remain closer to the caregiver. Avoidant infants show little separation anxiety, whereas resistant infants show high separation anxiety. At reunion, avoidant infants tend to ignore or avoid the caregiver, whereas resistant infants seek contact but may then resist attempts to comfort them.
Question 10
Describe and distinguish between secure, insecure-avoidant and insecure-resistant attachment.
[8 marks]
reveal mark scheme and indicative content
Mark scheme
AO1 = 8
7-8 marks:Â Knowledge of all three attachment types is clear, accurate and detailed. The types are effectively distinguished using several attachment behaviours. Appropriate terminology is used throughout.
5-6 marks:Â Knowledge of all three types is generally accurate and there is clear distinction between them, although some detail may be missing.
3-4 marks:Â Some accurate knowledge is present, but distinctions are limited or one attachment type is insufficiently described.
1-2 marks:Â Very limited knowledge of attachment types.
0 marks:Â No relevant content.
Indicative content
Behaviour | Secure | Insecure-avoidant | Insecure-resistant |
Exploration | High, uses caregiver as secure base | High and relatively independent | Low |
Separation anxiety | Moderate | Low | High |
Stranger anxiety | Moderate / wary | Low | High |
Reunion | Seeks contact, easily comforted | Avoids or ignores caregiver | Seeks contact but resists comfort |
Proximity seeking | Moderate / appropriate | Low | High |
AQA marking guidance similarly distinguishes secure and insecure-avoidant attachment using stranger anxiety, separation anxiety, reunion response and use of the caregiver as a safe base.
Example answer
Securely attached infants explore confidently while using the caregiver as a secure base. They show some separation and stranger anxiety but seek the caregiver at reunion, are easily comforted and then return to exploration.
Insecure-avoidant infants tend to explore independently and show little separation or stranger anxiety. At reunion they show little response to the caregiver or actively avoid contact. In contrast, insecure-resistant infants usually show less exploration and high separation and stranger anxiety. At reunion they seek proximity but also resist attempts at comfort, for example by pushing the caregiver away. The three types can therefore be distinguished particularly by exploration, separation anxiety and reunion behaviour.
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