Final answer:
Children with separation anxiety disorder display persistent distress when apart from their caregivers, which is a sign of an insecure attachment. It differs from other attachment styles that may include avoidant or disorganized behaviors, and is not characterized by a heightened fear of snakes or a preference for nonsocial activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Children with separation anxiety disorder exhibit persistent distress when apart from their caregivers. This condition is different from the normal apprehension that young children may show when leaving their primary caregiver. Children with separation anxiety disorder may experience extreme discomfort and exhibit signs of anxiety that persist beyond the usual developmental period expected for such fears to resolve.
According to studies by Ainsworth and Bell (1970), the type of attachment a child has with their caregiver can influence how they respond to separation. A secure attachment is generally associated with healthy development, where a child can manage temporary separation from a caregiver with confidence in their return. On the other hand, insecure attachments such as resistant attachment, disorganized attachment, and avoidant attachment can manifest differently; with resistance and rejection of comfort, disoriented or erratic behaviors, or a lack of response to a caregiver's presence or absence, respectively.
This behavior can be contrasted with other attachment disorders or conditions, such as those where a child shows heightened fear of snakes, prefers nonsocial recreational activities, or shows little interest in their caregivers, which are not directly associated with separation anxiety disorder.