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.
Ainsworth argued that secure attachment is most strongly predicted by:
- Acheck_circle
Caregiver sensitivity and responsiveness
- B
Genetic temperament alone
- C
Frequency of feeding
- D
Number of siblings
Explanation
Ainsworth's research linked secure attachment to caregivers who responded promptly and appropriately to infant cues. Temperament contributes but does not fully account for attachment patterns; siblings and feeding schedule are not primary determinants.