Meta-Analysis: Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg (1988)
of 32 studies (Strange Situation)
Aim
To investigate the reported rates of different infant attachments across cultures and within cultures.
Procedure
A meta-analysis of over 2,000 Strange Situation classifications in 8 countries. All selected studies had observed only mother-infant pairs.
Results
Most Secure - Great Britatin
Most Avoidant - Germany
Most Resistant - Japan
Conclusion
The global pattern of attachment across cultures is similar to the US.
- Secure attachment is the norm.
- Supports the idea that secure attachment is best for healthy social and emotional development.
- Cross-cultural similarities support the view that attachment is an innate and biological/evolutionary process.
Individualist vs. Collectivist Cultures
Collectivist: a culture that emphasises the importance of the group, valuing interdependence; individuals depend on each other with groups working together, sharing tasks, belongings and childcare.
Individualist: a culture that emphasises the importance of independence and the value of the individual.
Germany vs. Japan
- Germany is considered an individualist society, Insecure-Avoidant.
- Japan is considered a collectivist society, Insecure-Resistant.
German Culture - Grossman & Grossman (1991)
- Involves keeping interpersonal distance
- Therefore no proximity-seeking behaviour in Strange Situation
- So they appear insecurely attached
Japanese Culture - Takahshi (1990)
Sample size of 60 middle class infants using Strange Situation.
- No evidence of insecure-avoidant attachment
- High rates of insecure-resistatn
- Very distressed when left alone - 90% of infants had stopped the study at this point
- Japanese infants rarely experience separation from mothers
- Makes them appear more insecurely (resistant) attached by study