What age range corresponds to the asocial stage in Schaffer and Emerson's attachment theory?

The asocial stage in Schaffer and Emerson's attachment theory corresponds to the period from birth to approximately six weeks. During this stage, infants are primarily focused on their immediate environment and do not show a clear preference for any specific caregiver or individual. They respond similarly to all stimuli, whether from other people or inanimate objects. This lack of a strong attachment is characteristic of this early developmental phase.

As infants move past this stage, they begin to engage with others more purposefully around the six-week mark. They start to show preferences for certain people, indicating the transition to the next stage of attachment development, often referred to as the indiscriminate attachment stage. Understanding these stages helps caregivers and educators recognize the varying levels of emotional connection and social responsiveness in infants as they grow.