criticisms of anisworth theory

-- fred trewhella (fredtrewhella@hotmail.com), October 28, 2004

Answers

The attachment theory of Mary Ainsworth is well accepted by many developmental psychologists. Major criticisms of her research include the fact that it does not take into account temperamental differences among children and that one of its main methods of assessment (the "strange situation") is too simple and artificial to stand in for the complexities of early mother/infant interactions. Finally, there are those who question whether early experiences have such a profound effect on later development. The argument of the latter group is that development is a lifelong process, and while early experience may be important, so are all the experiences that follow.

-- John D. Hogan (hoganjohn@aol.com), October 28, 2004.