Question

during a child development study, researchers observe a parent - child interaction where the parent sometimes responds to the infants distress with soothing comfort, but other times responds with unpredictable behaviors like freezing, speaking in an alarmed voice, or backing away. when this pattern of inconsistent responses continues over time, which attachment pattern would developmental theory predict is most likely to develop?

○ insecure - resistant attachment, because the infant cant predict responses
○ insecure - avoidant attachment, because the parent sometimes backs away
○ secure attachment, because the parent sometimes provides comfort
○ disorganized attachment, because the parents responses alternate between frightening and comforting

Explanation:

In attachment theory, an insecure - disorganized (also known as disoriented) attachment occurs when a caregiver's responses are inconsistent and sometimes alternate between frightening and comforting. This creates confusion for the infant. Secure attachment is when the parent is consistently responsive. Insecure - avoidant is when the parent is often unresponsive and the infant learns to self - soothe. Insecure - resistant (ambivalent) is when the parent is inconsistently available. The description in the question (parent's inconsistent, alternating responses) aligns with disorganized attachment.

Answer:

Disorganized attachment