Question

After being separated from her mom for 5 days, the baby shows DISORGANIZED ATTACHMENT behavior at the caregiver's return. How can her behavior be more closely described?

A. The baby seems confused, may physically approach the mother but not look at her.
B. The baby uses the mother as a secure base from which to explore the environment
C. The baby ignores the caregiver, avoids direct contact.
D. The baby resists the caregiver, perhaps kicks and pushes away."

Answer 1

A baby with disorganized attachment may show confusion upon a caregiver's return, such as approaching without making eye contact.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a baby shows disorganized attachment behavior after being separated from a caregiver, their behavior can often be quite erratic and confusing. According to Ainsworth's research, such behavior includes signs of confusion such as approaching the caregiver but not making eye contact, freeze, run around in an erratic manner, or try to run away when the caregiver returns. This is in contrast to other forms of attachment behavior, such as secure attachment where a child uses the caregiver as a secure base from which to explore, or resistant attachment where a child may cling to, yet resist, the caregiver. Given the options presented, the closest description of a baby's behavior with disorganized attachment after a separation is: A. The baby seems confused, may physically approach the mother but not look at her.