Anxious/ambivalent attachments are associated with which behavior upon reunion?

Anxious/ambivalent attachments are associated with which behavior upon reunion?

• A. Resist being comforted when reunited
• B. Approach caregiver for comfort
• C. Do not show distress on reunion
• D. Welcome interactions after reunion

Answer: (A)

Anxious/ambivalent attachment shows a child who is highly distressed when the caregiver leaves and, upon reunion, seeks comfort but is not easily soothed, often resisting the caregiver’s attempt to help even as they cling and seek closeness. This mix of approaching for comfort and pushing away is the hallmark of ambivalence, so resisting being comforted when reunited best captures the pattern. If someone were simply approaching for comfort, soothing would typically be easier; not showing distress on reunion points to avoidant attachment, and welcoming interactions after reunion describes secure attachment.

Anxious/ambivalent attachment shows a child who is highly distressed when the caregiver leaves and, upon reunion, seeks comfort but is not easily soothed, often resisting the caregiver’s attempt to help even as they cling and seek closeness. This mix of approaching for comfort and pushing away is the hallmark of ambivalence, so resisting being comforted when reunited best captures the pattern.

If someone were simply approaching for comfort, soothing would typically be easier; not showing distress on reunion points to avoidant attachment, and welcoming interactions after reunion describes secure attachment.