Who developed the Strange Situation experiment to observe attachment styles?

The Strange Situation experiment, which is a key study for understanding attachment styles in children, was developed by Mary Ainsworth. This structured observational procedure assesses how infants respond to the presence and absence of their primary caregivers, as well as interactions with a stranger. Ainsworth's work built upon the foundational attachment theories of John Bowlby, who focused on the emotional bonds between children and their caregivers.

Through her research, Ainsworth identified different attachment styles, including secure, avoidant, and anxious-resistant attachment. These attachment styles provide significant insights into children's social and emotional development, making her contributions essential in the field of early childhood psychology. The Strange Situation remains a cornerstone of attachment theory and is widely utilized in both research and clinical settings to understand child-development dynamics.