Which attachment style is described as showing inconsistent, contradictory behaviors when the caregiver returns, reflecting a lack of a clear strategy?

Which attachment style is described as showing inconsistent, contradictory behaviors when the caregiver returns, reflecting a lack of a clear strategy?

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

Answer: (A)

Disorganized attachment is defined by a lack of a coherent strategy for dealing with the caregiver’s return. The child may display a confusing mix of behaviors—approaching the caregiver and then freezing, looking away, or showing other conflicting actions—in ways that don’t fit a single, organized pattern. This indicates the child hasn’t developed a stable plan for seeking comfort and safety from the caregiver, often reflecting underlying confusion or fear. This stands in contrast to other patterns: secure attachment shows a clear, predictable response—greeting the caregiver and seeking comfort when needed; avoidant attachment involves minimizing closeness and avoiding contact; anxious/ambivalent attachment features a mixed, but still recognizable, push-pull attempt to gain closeness and then resist it. The lack of a consistent, organized response is what makes disorganized attachment the best description for the scenario.

Disorganized attachment is defined by a lack of a coherent strategy for dealing with the caregiver’s return. The child may display a confusing mix of behaviors—approaching the caregiver and then freezing, looking away, or showing other conflicting actions—in ways that don’t fit a single, organized pattern. This indicates the child hasn’t developed a stable plan for seeking comfort and safety from the caregiver, often reflecting underlying confusion or fear.

This stands in contrast to other patterns: secure attachment shows a clear, predictable response—greeting the caregiver and seeking comfort when needed; avoidant attachment involves minimizing closeness and avoiding contact; anxious/ambivalent attachment features a mixed, but still recognizable, push-pull attempt to gain closeness and then resist it. The lack of a consistent, organized response is what makes disorganized attachment the best description for the scenario.