Schaffer's Stages of Attachment

Understanding how attachment develops is crucial for psychology students, and Schaffer's model breaks it down into clear, observable stages. Each stage shows distinct behaviours that reveal how babies gradually form stronger bonds with their caregivers.

Stage 1: Asocial (0-8 weeks) - At this earliest stage, babies treat humans and objects quite similarly, though they're already showing preferences. They'll recognise specific faces and feel happier around people than when alone, but they'll smile at pretty much anyone who pays them attention.

Stage 2: Indiscriminate Attachment (2-7 months) - Now babies clearly prefer familiar faces and will smile more at people they know. They're definitely more interested in humans than toys, but here's the key - they'll still accept comfort from any adult, not just their main carer.

Stage 3: Specific Attachment (7-12 months) - This is where things get intense! Babies develop separation anxiety when their primary attachment figure leaves and show stranger anxiety around unfamiliar people. They form their strongest bond with whoever responds most sensitively to their needs - often, but not always, their mother.

💡 Quick Tip: The person who becomes the primary attachment figure isn't necessarily who spends the most time with the baby - it's who responds most sensitively to their signals and needs.

Stage 4: Multiple Attachments (1 year onwards) - Finally, babies expand their circle and form secondary attachments with other familiar adults like fathers, grandparents, or regular carers. These relationships are important but typically less intense than the primary bond.