Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Strange Situation assessment is a controlled laboratory procedure that measures the quality of attachment between an infant and their caregiver. It involves a series of separations and reunions to observe the child's reaction and behavior.
Related terms
Secure attachment: A type of attachment in which infants feel secure exploring their environment when their caregiver is present, become visibly upset when the caregiver leaves, and seek comfort upon reunion.
Insecure-avoidant attachment: A type of attachment in which infants avoid or ignore the caregiver, showing little distress during separation and minimal effort to reconnect upon reunion.
Insecure-resistant/ambivalent attachment: A type of attachment in which infants display clingy behavior towards the caregiver, getting extremely distressed during separation but also displaying anger or resistance upon reunion.