Final answer:
Children who resist comfort when distressed may have Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), characterized by inhibited and emotionally withdrawn behavior toward caregivers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Children who are not easily comforted, or resist comfort when distressed, might be exhibiting signs of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). RAD is characterized by a consistent pattern of inhibited, emotionally withdrawn behavior toward adult caregivers, and the children often do not seek comfort, or respond to comfort when distressed. This is distinct from other disorders such as Conduct Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, which have different primary symptoms and behaviors associated with them.
According to Ainsworth & Bell (1970), when discussing resistant attachment, children show clingy behavior but reject attempts to interact. This kind of attachment is linked to caregivers' inconsistent response levels to their child. With regard to other attachment styles, those with disorganized attachment may show odd behaviors like freezing or running around erratically when the caregiver returns, often observed in children who have experienced abuse. Understanding these attachment styles is crucial in differentiating from other developmental issues like autism spectrum disorder, where there are established difficulties in recognizing and expressing emotions.
Comparatively, children with avoidant attachment appear unresponsive to the parent and do not appear distressed by their absence, reflective of having a caregiver who may have been insensitive or inattentive to their needs according to Ainsworth et al. (1978).