Which is one of the four recognized attachment patterns identified by Mary Ainsworth?

Which is one of the four recognized attachment patterns identified by Mary Ainsworth?

• A. Reactive Attachment
• B. Anxious-Resistant Attachment
• C. Secure-Exclusive Attachment
• D. Overprotective Attachment

Answer: (B)

Mary Ainsworth described several attachment patterns based on how infants respond in the Strange Situation, and anxious-resistant attachment is one of them. Infants with this pattern are typically very distressed when the caregiver leaves and, when the caregiver returns, they seek closeness but resist being soothed—acting conflicted, clingy, and sometimes angry. This reflects inconsistency in caregiver responsiveness, leaving the child uncertain about whether comfort will be available. It’s also known as ambivalent attachment. The other options don’t match Ainsworth’s recognized patterns: reactive attachment is not one of the four; secure-exclusive and overprotective aren’t terms used in her framework.

Mary Ainsworth described several attachment patterns based on how infants respond in the Strange Situation, and anxious-resistant attachment is one of them. Infants with this pattern are typically very distressed when the caregiver leaves and, when the caregiver returns, they seek closeness but resist being soothed—acting conflicted, clingy, and sometimes angry. This reflects inconsistency in caregiver responsiveness, leaving the child uncertain about whether comfort will be available. It’s also known as ambivalent attachment.

The other options don’t match Ainsworth’s recognized patterns: reactive attachment is not one of the four; secure-exclusive and overprotective aren’t terms used in her framework.