AP Psychology Practice Test

How does an avoidant attachment style manifest in children?

1. Children seek little contact with their caregiver and are distressed when the caregiver leaves

2. Children are easily comforted when the caregiver returns

3. Children seek little contact with their caregiver and are not distressed when the caregiver leaves

4. Children protest loudly when the caregiver leaves and are indifferent upon their return

The correct answer is: Children seek little contact with their caregiver and are not distressed when the caregiver leaves

An avoidant attachment style in children is characterized by behaviors demonstrating a lack of dependence on their caregiver for emotional support. Specifically, children exhibiting this attachment style will often seek minimal contact with their caregiver, reflecting a level of self-sufficiency and emotional distance. When separated from their caregiver, these children typically do not show significant signs of distress, indicating they do not rely on the caregiver for comfort or reassurance. This indifference towards their caregiver's presence or absence suggests a coping mechanism where the child avoids seeking comfort or emotional connection, which aligns with the traits of avoidant attachment. In contrast, other behaviors described, such as seeking contact and showing distress when the caregiver leaves, suggest different types of attachment styles, namely anxious or secure attachments. Additionally, being easily comforted upon a caregiver's return or protesting loudly are indicative of secure attachment or anxious-resistant behaviors. Therefore, the key feature of avoidant attachment is the lack of distress and minimal contact, making the selected answer the most accurate representation of this attachment style.