In 1988, researchers Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg conducted a significant meta-analysis that examined attachment behaviors across different cultures.
We talked a little about it last week.
Their goal was to determine whether attachment styles are universal or if they vary based on cultural influences.
The researchers analyzed data from 32 cross-cultural studies, all of which used the Strange Situation procedure developed by Mary Ainsworth.
This method measures attachment types by observing infants’ reactions to separations and reunions with their caregiver.
Methodology and Aims
A meta-analysis compiles findings from previous research to draw broader conclusions, rather than conducting new experiments.
In this case, Van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg focused on studies using the Strange Situation to ensure consistency in their comparisons.
They included research from eight countries, such as the United States, Great Britain, Japan, and China, allowing for an exploration of both intercultural (between cultures) and intracultural (within a culture) differences in attachment behaviors.
The primary goal was to investigate whether attachment styles – secure, insecure-avoidant, and insecure-resistant – were consistent across cultures or influenced by cultural norms and practices.
Key Findings on Cultural Differences
The meta-analysis revealed that across all cultures, the majority of infants (about 70%) were securely attached.
However, significant variations emerged between Western and Eastern cultures.
In Western societies, where independence is highly valued, such as in the United States and European countries, there were higher levels of insecure-avoidant attachments.
This attachment style is often seen in children who may distance themselves emotionally from their caregivers.
In contrast, Eastern cultures like Japan, which prioritize close family relationships and cooperation, saw higher levels of insecure-resistant attachments.
This attachment type reflects infants who are more anxious and clingy in their behavior toward caregivers.
Interestingly, China presented a unique case, with equal numbers of insecure-avoidant and insecure-resistant infants.
Intracultural Variation and Child-Rearing Practices
An unexpected finding was that differences within cultures were greater than those between cultures.
Larger countries like the United States and China, which have diverse populations, showed considerable variation in attachment styles based on factors such as socioeconomic status and race.
For example, infants from middle-class families tended to exhibit different attachment behaviors compared to those from working-class backgrounds.
The analysis also highlighted how cultural practices influence attachment.
In Western countries, early separation between mother and child, often due to mothers returning to work, likely contributes to higher levels of insecure-avoidant attachment, as infants experience more stress during separations.
So, while the meta-analysis confirms that secure attachment is the most common style across cultures, aligning with Ainsworth’s and Bowlby’s theories, it also highlights that cultural differences in child-rearing practices can impact attachment styles, leading to variations in behavior.
Success Across Cultures 