Final answer:
The child's behavior of happiness followed by pushing the caregiver away upon their return is indicative of anxious ambivalent attachment. This type of attachment stems from caregivers' inconsistent responses to the child's needs. The correct answer is d) anxious ambivalent attachment.
Step-by-step explanation:
A child who shows happiness at the sight of their caregiver upon their return but then pushes the caregiver away is demonstrating anxious ambivalent attachment. In this type of attachment, children often exhibit clingy behavior but reject the caregiver's attempts to interact with them. This behavior results from the caregivers' inconsistent responses to the child's emotional needs. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is d) anxious ambivalent attachment.
When examining the provided reference information, secure attachment is indicated by the child using the parent as a secure base to explore and seek comfort in times of stress, showing distress when the caregiver leaves but happiness upon their return. Avoidant attachment is characterized by a lack of response to the caregiver, not using them as a secure base, and an indifference to the caregiver's departure or return. Resistant attachment is similar to anxious ambivalent attachment, where the child shows clinginess and difficulty in being comforted upon reunion, often resisting attempts at interaction. Disorganized attachment shows in children behaving erratically or freezing upon the caregiver's return, which is often seen in children who have experienced abuse.