Question

While at the state fair, Cicily remains close to her dad and does not explore the games or rides. She shows extreme distress if her dad leaves her side. Cicily most likely has a(n) ______ attachment style. a. avoidant b. resistant c. secure d. disorganized

Short answer

Cicily most likely has a resistant attachment style.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Scenario

Examine Cicily's behavior described in the exercise. Cicily stays close to her dad, does not explore independently, and shows extreme distress when separated from her dad. These behaviors give us clues about her attachment style.

Match Behavior to Attachment Styles

Using attachment theory, we identify that a secure attachment usually involves comfort in exploring the environment and confidence in a caregiver's return. An avoidant attachment often results in avoiding proximity to the caregiver. A disorganized attachment may show contradictory behaviors. A resistant attachment is characterized by clinginess and distress upon separation.

Determine the Correct Attachment Style

Given Cicily's clinginess and acute distress upon separation from her dad, her behavior aligns most closely with the resistant attachment style. This style is marked by anxiety and difficulty in separating from the caregiver, without the secure base for exploration.

Select the Answer

Based on the analysis, the answer to the exercise is choice (b) resistant attachment style, as this best fits Cicily's exhibited behavior.

Key concepts

Understanding Resistant Attachment

Resistant attachment, sometimes known as anxious-ambivalent attachment, is a type of bonding pattern identified in young children. This attachment style is characterized by a child's uncertainty and anxiety in their relationship with their caregiver. When a caregiver leaves, children with resistant attachment often experience intense distress, struggling to be comforted even upon their return.

In this attachment style, children may be overly clingy to their caregiver and hesitant to explore unfamiliar environments, as seen in Cicily's behavior at the fair. The core of resistant attachment lies in the child's difficulty in balancing the desire for close proximity with the caregiver and the need to explore and develop independence.

This attachment style often develops when a child's experience with their caregiver is inconsistent. For instance, when a caregiver is attentive and caring at times, but dismissive or unavailable at others, it can contribute to this anxiety in the child. This uncertainty makes the child cling more persistently, hoping for reassurance that the caregiver will be available if needed.

The Caregiver-Child Relationship

The caregiver-child relationship is a pivotal element in a child's early development. It sets the foundation for emotional security and shapes the child’s ability to form trusting relationships later in life. Caregivers, typically parents, play a significant role in the emotional and psychological framework of their child.

Children rely heavily on caregivers for survival, support, and comfort. The way a caregiver responds to a child's needs can deeply impact the child’s sense of security. A consistent and responsive caregiver helps foster a secure attachment, where the child feels safe to explore the world knowing they have a reliable base to return to.

Inconsistent caregiving, as previously mentioned with resistant attachment, can result in anxiety and an unreliable bond. This inconsistency may confuse the child, making them unsure if their needs will be met, leading to attachment styles such as resistant attachment.

• Secure caregiving involves responsive attentiveness, creating a safe environment for both emotional and physical development.
• Inconsistent caregiving may result in insecure attachments, be it avoidant, resistant, or disorganized.

Each interaction adds layers to the emotional blueprint that children use to navigate relationships as they grow.

Child Development and Attachment

Attachment theory profoundly impacts child development by shaping the child's emotional world. Early attachment experiences mold the child's social, emotional, and cognitive growth trajectory. Secure attachments allow children to explore with confidence, knowing they have a solid foundation to return to.

On the other hand, insecure attachment styles, like resistant attachment, could hinder a child’s development. The unpredictability in these relationships may lead children to be anxious or overly cautious in new environments. This can affect their social engagements, learning capacity, and even physical activities, right from childhood into adulthood.

Understanding attachment theories helps caregivers and educators provide better support to children. Recognizing attachment behaviors allows for interventions that assist in nurturing healthier attachments. It's essential to address these patterns early, as they are highly influential not only in childhood but throughout the individual’s life.

Healthy attachment fosters:

• Confidence in exploring new environments.
• Stronger interpersonal relationships.
• Better emotional regulation and resilience to stress.

Early identification and support can significantly influence how children develop their future interactions and emotional health.