How many stages of attachment did Schaffer and Emerson identify?

Schaffer and Emerson identified four distinct stages of attachment in their research on infant-parent relationships. These stages illustrate the progression of attachment behavior as children develop and interact with their caregivers.

1. The pre-attachment stage (approximately 0-6 weeks), where infants show no particular attachment to any specific caregiver.

2. The attachment-in-the-making stage (around 6 weeks to 6-8 months), during which infants begin to develop preferences for primary caregivers and may exhibit social responses.

3. The clear-cut attachment stage (approximately 6-8 months to 18 months-2 years), marked by the development of strong attachments, where infants show distress when separated from their primary caregivers and may display specific attachment behaviors, such as seeking proximity.

4. The formation of reciprocal relations (from around 18 months onwards), where the child begins to understand the caregiver's goals and intentions, leading to a more mutual relationship.

This framework highlights how attachments develop progressively based on emotional responses and interactions, underscoring the importance of emotional closeness and attachment security in early childhood development.