Mary Ainsworth

Mary Ainsworth was an influential American developmental psychologist best known for her groundbreaking research on attachment theory. She developed the "Strange Situation" assessment to observe how infants respond to separations and reunions with their primary caregivers. Based on her findings, she identified different attachment styles: secure, anxious-ambivalent, and avoidant. Her work highlighted the importance of early relationships in shaping emotional development and later behavior. Ainsworth's research has had a lasting impact on psychology, influencing parenting practices and understanding child development.