Carter is an infant taking part in the Strange Situation. He was wary of the stranger when she entered the room. When his mother left, he cried and the stranger tried to comfort him unsuccessfully. When his mother came back into the room, he smiled at her and reached to her. His mother picked him up and he stopped crying and soon was able to sit on the floor and play with the toys. What attachment type is Carter's behavior consistent with?
A) secure attachment
B) insecure-avoidant attachment
C) insecure-resistant attachment
D) disorganized-disoriented attachment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carter's behavior displays the key characteristics of a secure attachment type. He is wary of the stranger, indicating a healthy level of wariness towards unfamiliar individuals. He also seeks comfort from his mother when she leaves and is able to be comforted by her return, indicating that he trusts his mother as a secure base and feels secure in her presence. Additionally, his ability to stop crying and play with toys after his mother picks him up shows that he is able to regulate his emotions in the presence of his caregiver.

Carter Is an Infant Taking Part in the Strange Situation