Ainsworth

Mary Ainsworth was a developmental psychologist known for her work on attachment theory, which explores the emotional bonds between children and their caregivers. In her famous "Strange Situation" study, Ainsworth observed how infants reacted to separations and reunions with their mothers in a controlled setting. She identified three main attachment styles: secure, anxious-ambivalent, and avoidant. Securely attached children felt safe to explore their environment, while those with anxious or avoidant attachments showed distress or indifference. Ainsworth's research has significantly influenced our understanding of early emotional development and the importance of stable, responsive parenting.