Question

In ______ attachment, an infant in the strange situation shows (1) more interest in the toys than its mother, (2) little distress when its mother leaves, and (3) little positive emotion when its mother returns.

a. disorganized/controlling
b. anxious/ambivalent
c. avoidant
d. secure

Answer 1

The correct attachment style for the infant described is avoidant attachment, where the infant shows more interest in toys, little distress when separated, and a subdued response upon reunion with the mother.

Step-by-step explanation:

Attachment Styles:

In the scenario described, the infant exhibits an avoidant attachment style. In avoidant attachment, the child shows more interest in toys than in the mother, little distress when the mother leaves, and subdued emotion upon the mother's return. This behavior in the Strange Situation experiment, which measures attachment, indicates that the child may perceive the caregiver as insensitive or unresponsive to their needs.

In the context of attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and further researched by Mary Ainsworth, four distinctive attachment styles were identified: secure, avoidant, resistant (also known as anxious/ambivalent), and disorganized. Children with secure attachment styles use their caregiver as a secure base from which to explore their surroundings and seek comfort in times of stress. Conversely, children with resistant attachment display clingy behavior and do not readily explore their environment.