Which attachment style is typically associated with inconsistency in caregiver responsiveness, leading to clinginess and fear of abandonment?

Which attachment style is typically associated with inconsistency in caregiver responsiveness, leading to clinginess and fear of abandonment?

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

Answer: (A)

Attachment styles form from how a caregiver responds to a child’s needs. When responsiveness is inconsistent, the child often becomes anxious and clingy, fearing abandonment and seeking constant reassurance. This pattern is ambivalent or anxious attachment. The child may push for closeness yet remain hard to soothe, and show strong distress when the caregiver leaves, later alternating between seeking contact and resisting comfort. In contrast, secure attachment comes from reliable, sensitive care; avoidant attachment stems from emotional distance or rejection; disorganized attachment reflects chaotic or frightening caregiving and mixed, contradictory behaviors. So the description given points to ambivalent/anxious attachment.

Attachment styles form from how a caregiver responds to a child’s needs. When responsiveness is inconsistent, the child often becomes anxious and clingy, fearing abandonment and seeking constant reassurance. This pattern is ambivalent or anxious attachment. The child may push for closeness yet remain hard to soothe, and show strong distress when the caregiver leaves, later alternating between seeking contact and resisting comfort. In contrast, secure attachment comes from reliable, sensitive care; avoidant attachment stems from emotional distance or rejection; disorganized attachment reflects chaotic or frightening caregiving and mixed, contradictory behaviors. So the description given points to ambivalent/anxious attachment.