Question

Using the categorical model of attachment, studies have found that avoidants tend to be ____, secures tend to be ____, and ambivalents tend to be ____.

1) anxious, anxious, anxious
2) avoidant, avoidant, avoidant
3) avoidant, secure, ambivalent
4) secure, avoidant, ambivalent

Answer 1

The correct categorization of attachment styles according to the studies is that avoidants tend to be avoidant, secures tend to be secure, and ambivalents tend to be ambivalent.

Step-by-step explanation:

Using the categorical model of attachment, studies such as those by Ainsworth and her colleagues have identified different patterns of attachment in infants based on their reactions during the 'Strange Situation' experiment. According to this model, children with an avoidant attachment style tend to be unresponsive to the parent and do not seek comfort from them. Those with a secure attachment style clearly prefer their parent over a stranger and seek out their caregiver in times of stress. Finally, children with an ambivalent (often termed ambivalent-resistant) attachment style seem clingy and exhibit difficulty being comforted upon the caregiver's return.

When matching these attachment styles to the categorical model, the correct identification would be: avoidants tend to be avoidant, secures tend to be secure, and ambivalents tend to be ambivalent. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is option 3) avoidant, secure, ambivalent.