In the anxious resistant (ambivalent) attachment style, how does a child typically react when distressed?

In the anxious resistant (ambivalent) attachment style, a child typically reacts to distress by becoming clingy yet simultaneously rejecting interaction. This pattern of behavior arises from inconsistent caregiving experienced during early development, where the child has learned that their needs may not always be met. When distressed, these children seek closeness to their caregivers but can also display resistance or anger when comfort is offered.

This conflicted behavior reflects their uncertainty about the caregiver's responsiveness; they desire comfort but have also learned that this comfort may not be reliable. Therefore, the child may cling to the caregiver but may push them away or exhibit signs of frustration, underscoring the emotional turmoil caused by their attachment experience. This attachment style is characterized by a lack of security, leading to a complex, ambivalent response to distress.

In contrast, the other response options reflect different attachment behaviors — some indicating secure attachment, where children find comfort easily, or avoidant tendencies, where they may withdraw rather than seek closeness. In the case of securely attached children, they typically find comfort and support readily when upset, while avoidantly attached children often avoid or ignore the caregiver during distress. Exploring the environment freely suggests a sense of security and autonomy that is generally observed in securely attached children