Mary Ainsworth Ainsworth strange situation Test to measure level of attachment in which the mother and child enter an unfamiliar room…the mother lets the child explore while she sits down. An adult stranger then enters as the mother leaves, the mother returns a short while later with the stranger leaving

Ainsworth’s Findings Found that securely attached children use mom as a “home base”, exploring the room yet returning occasionally to her – when she leaves they show distress and go to her when she returns (60% of children) Found that insecurely attached children react in a few different ways: Avoidant – do not cry when mom leaves and avoid her when she returns Ambivalent – display anxiety when mom is in room and are upset when mom leaves, but when she returns they may go to her while at the same time hitting or kicking her

Ainsworth’s Findings Children who are securely attached tend to be more socially and emotionally “well-adjusted” and are seen as more cooperative, capable &playful YET…children who lack a secure attachment do not always have difficulties later in life attachment style is related to the social environment in which the children are raised

Parenting Styles Diana Baumrind Authoritarian: are rigid, punitive and demand unquestioning obedience from children They have strict standards and discourage expressions of disagreement Children tend to be unsociable, unfriendly and withdrawn Permissive: give children relaxed or inconsistent direction and although nice, require little of them Children tend to be immature, moody, dependent and have low self-control OBJECTIVE 9-12| Describe three parenting styles, and offer three potential explanations for the link between authoritative parenting and social competence.

Parenting Styles Authoritative (democratic): are firm, setting limits and goals for their children, YET explain and using reasoning to set those limits – often let children have some role in making decisions/setting goals They also encourage children’s independence Children tend to be likeable, self-reliant, independent and cooperative Uninvolved: show little interest in children and they are emotionally detached They view parenting as nothing more than providing food, clothing and shelter for children – in most extreme form, uninvolved parents are guilty of neglect (a form of child abuse) Children tend to feel unloved and emotionally detached

Parenting Style Which is the best parenting style??? The temperament or disposition of the child often has a lot of do with the parenting style used…so really it depends on the situation.