What type of attachment involves a child being very distressed when the caregiver leaves but showing a mixed response upon return?

• A. Secure attachment
• B. Avoidant attachment
• C. Ambivalent attachment
• D. Disorganized attachment

Answer: (C)

The type of attachment described, where a child exhibits significant distress when the caregiver departs but displays a mixed response upon the caregiver's return, is known as ambivalent attachment. This attachment style typically arises when a caregiver is inconsistent in their responsiveness to the child's needs.

Children with ambivalent attachment may cling to their caregiver when they are present but become extremely upset when the caregiver leaves. Upon the caregiver's return, instead of seeking comfort and reassurance, the child might display behavior that is simultaneously seeking closeness and rejecting the caregiver, often showing anger or frustration. This confusing response is a hallmark of ambivalent attachment, as the child struggles with feelings of insecurity and uncertainty about the caregiver's availability.

The other attachment styles differ in their patterns of behavior: secure attachment reflects a child who feels safe and comfortable with the caregiver, avoidant attachment describes a child who shows minimal distress when the caregiver leaves and avoids contact upon return, and disorganized attachment involves a lack of a clear attachment strategy, often resulting in disoriented behavior. Each of these styles reflects different underlying interactions and emotional responses between the child and caregiver.