AP Psychology Practice Test

Which attachment style describes children who do not feel comforted when their parents return after an absence?

1. Anxious ambivalent

2. Secure

3. Avoidant

4. Anxious resistant

The correct answer is: Anxious ambivalent

The attachment style that describes children who do not feel comforted when their parents return after an absence is known as avoidant attachment. Children with this style tend to avoid or ignore their caregiver, showing little emotional response when the caregiver departs or returns. These children may have learned that the caregiver is not a reliable source of comfort or support. Therefore, upon the caregiver's return, they may not seek contact or reassurance but instead continue to act as if they are indifferent or uninterested. While anxious ambivalent (or resistant) attachment involves children who display distress upon separation and resist comfort upon reunion, avoidant attachment is specifically characterized by a lack of responsiveness to the caregiver, which makes it clear that these children do not feel comforted by their return. Secure attachment, in contrast, refers to children who feel comfortable and reassured by their caregivers' presence, showing a preference for them when they return. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the dynamics of attachment styles and their impact on children's emotional behavior.