At 12 months of age, James is classified as securely attached. Which of the following behaviors in the Strange Situation would be most consistent with this classification?
A) James is moderately distressed when his mother leaves him alone and pleased when she returns.
B) James is unconcerned when his mother leaves and uninterested when she returns.
C) James is very upset when his mother leaves and seems both relieved and angry when she returns.
D) James is very upset when his mother leaves, and he ignores her when she returns.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A securely attached child will typically show moderate distress when their caregiver leaves, but they are easily comforted when the caregiver returns. The other options, B, C, and D, do not demonstrate secure attachment. B suggests an avoidant attachment style, C suggests an ambivalent attachment style, and D suggests a disorganized attachment style.

At 12 Months of Age, James Is Classified as Securely