Home›Psychology›Developmental Psychology›What is Strange Situation?
◉ Psychology·2 min·Updated Mar 16, 2026

What is Strange Situation?

Strange Situation Procedure

Quick Answer

The Strange Situation is a research method used to observe attachment relationships between a caregiver and a child. It involves a series of separations and reunions to assess how children respond to stress and comfort.

Overview

The Strange Situation is a structured observational study developed by psychologist Mary Ainsworth in the 1970s. It typically involves children aged 12 to 18 months and consists of eight episodes where the child experiences separations from and reunions with their caregiver in a controlled environment. This method allows researchers to see how children behave when they are stressed and how they seek comfort from their caregiver. During the procedure, a child is placed in a room with their caregiver, and then the caregiver leaves the room for a short time before returning. This setup helps researchers identify different attachment styles, such as secure, anxious, or avoidant attachment. For example, a securely attached child may cry when their caregiver leaves but is easily comforted upon their return, demonstrating trust and a strong bond. Understanding attachment styles through the Strange Situation is important in developmental psychology because it provides insights into a child's emotional and social development. The way a child attaches to their caregiver can influence their relationships and behavior later in life. By studying these patterns, psychologists can better understand how early experiences shape a person's ability to form healthy relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Strange Situation identifies three main attachment styles: secure, anxious, and avoidant. Securely attached children feel safe and are easily comforted, while anxious children may be clingy and hard to soothe, and avoidant children often appear indifferent to their caregiver's presence.
The Strange Situation is conducted in a controlled environment where a child and their caregiver are observed during a series of separations and reunions. Researchers note the child's reactions to these events to assess their attachment style.
The Strange Situation is important because it helps psychologists understand how early attachment experiences influence a child's emotional and social development. These insights can inform interventions and support for children and families.