A child's behavior during a three-minute reunion reveals their lifelong relationship pattern
The 'Strange Situation' protocol proves that a child's behavior during a brief three-minute reunion with a caregiver accurately predicts their internal working model for adult intimacy and social stability.
A child's reaction to a brief three-minute reunion with a caregiver serves as a powerful diagnostic tool for their lifelong attachment style. Developed by Mary Ainsworth in the 1970s, the 'Strange Situation' assessment categorizes infants into secure, avoidant, or ambivalent groups. While 65% of infants are securely attached and seek comfort openly, avoidant infants (20%) often appear calm while masking intense physiological distress, including significantly elevated heart rates.
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