In a Strange Situation procedure, 12-month-old Mira plays comfortably while her caregiver is present, becomes mildly distressed when the caregiver leaves, and quickly settles and returns to play when the caregiver returns. A second infant, Theo, ignores the caregiver throughout and shows little reaction to separation or reunion.
Theo's behavior is most consistent with which attachment classification?
- A
Secure
- B
Disorganized
- Ccheck_circle
Avoidant
- D
Resistant
Explanation
Avoidant infants show little distress at separation and ignore or actively avoid the caregiver upon reunion. This pattern is often associated with caregivers who are unresponsive to the infant's bids for comfort.