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Virginia is taking part in a Strange Situation task with her son, Justin. When Virginia leaves the room, Justin does not seem to have a strong reaction. When she returns, he briefly glances in her direction, then continues playing with the toys, virtually ignoring her presence. Based on this description, Justin most likely exhibits which style of attachment?

1) Secure attachment
2) Insecure-avoidant attachment
3) Insecure-resistant attachment
4) Disorganized attachment

User Misantorp
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Final answer:

Based on his behaviour in the Strange Situation task, Justin exhibits an insecure-avoidant attachment style, showing indifference toward his mother upon her departure and return.

Step-by-step explanation:

Justin most likely exhibits an insecure-avoidant attachment style. This attachment style is characterized by indifference toward the caregiver. These children do not seek contact with the parent upon the parent's return and may treat strangers similarly to the parent. This behavior aligns with Justin's reaction, as he demonstrates little response when Virginia leaves and only a cursory glance when she returns before continuing to play with his toys, showing a lack of preference for his mother's presence.

In contrast, a secure attachment style involves children who show distress upon separation and happiness when reunited with their caregiver, using the caregiver as a secure base for exploration. The insecure-resistant attachment style is marked by children who show clingy behavior and become extremely disturbed during separation, being difficult to comfort when the caregiver returns. Lastly, the disorganized attachment is characterized by disoriented behaviours, such as freezing or erratic movements upon the caregiver's return, and is often observed in children with a history of abuse.

User Ersks
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