Question

question 9
which type of attachment may cause a child to cry when their caregiver leaves, and then again when they return?

insecure-resistant
disorganized
insecure-avoidant
secure

Explanation:

Analyze the question prompt

The question asks which type of attachment style describes a child who cries when their caregiver leaves, and then continues to cry or show distress/anger when the caregiver returns.

Evaluate the attachment styles

• Secure: The child is distressed when the caregiver leaves but is easily comforted and happy upon their return.
• Insecure-avoidant: The child shows little to no distress when the caregiver leaves and avoids or ignores them upon return.
• Insecure-resistant (also called anxious-ambivalent): The child is highly distressed when the caregiver leaves. Upon reunion, they seek closeness but remain angry, resistant, and difficult to comfort, often continuing to cry.
• Disorganized: The child shows inconsistent, contradictory, or confused behaviors (e.g., approaching the caregiver while looking away).

Apply the concepts

Using the Attachment Theory framework, the behavior of crying both during separation and remaining distressed/crying upon reunion is characteristic of an insecure-resistant attachment style.

Answer:

• Insecure-resistant (Correct answer)
• Disorganized
• Insecure-avoidant
• Secure