Which attachment style is characterized by insecurity and confusion, sometimes fearful when the parent returns?

Which attachment style is characterized by insecurity and confusion, sometimes fearful when the parent returns?

• A. Anxious-Resistant Attachment
• B. Anxious Avoidant Attachment
• C. Temperament
• D. Disorganized-Disoriented Attachment

Answer: (D)

This item tests understanding of how different attachment patterns show up when a caregiver returns. Disorganized-disoriented attachment is defined by an absence of a coherent strategy for managing the caregiver’s presence after separation. The child may appear confused, exhibit contradictory behaviors, or show fear or apprehension when the parent reappears. This reflects a disorganized internal state, often linked to frightening or unpredictable caregiving situations. In contrast, anxious-resistant attachment involves clingy, ambivalent behavior at reunion—seeking closeness but resisting comfort. Anxious-avoidant attachment shows little emotional response and avoidance of the caregiver. Temperament is not an attachment style; it refers to general, early-appearing patterns of behavior and may influence interactions but does not describe specific reunion responses to a caregiver. So the description of insecurity combined with confusion and fear at the caregiver’s return best matches disorganized-disoriented attachment.

This item tests understanding of how different attachment patterns show up when a caregiver returns. Disorganized-disoriented attachment is defined by an absence of a coherent strategy for managing the caregiver’s presence after separation. The child may appear confused, exhibit contradictory behaviors, or show fear or apprehension when the parent reappears. This reflects a disorganized internal state, often linked to frightening or unpredictable caregiving situations.

In contrast, anxious-resistant attachment involves clingy, ambivalent behavior at reunion—seeking closeness but resisting comfort. Anxious-avoidant attachment shows little emotional response and avoidance of the caregiver. Temperament is not an attachment style; it refers to general, early-appearing patterns of behavior and may influence interactions but does not describe specific reunion responses to a caregiver.

So the description of insecurity combined with confusion and fear at the caregiver’s return best matches disorganized-disoriented attachment.