Jessie is being evaluated in the strange situation procedure. Jessie's mom places him on the floor of the play room and he crawls away from her. He does not look back or seek her attention the whole time he is in the play room. When his mother leaves the play room he does not notice she is gone and when she returns he does not want her to pick him up. He cries and stiffens his back when she tries to sit him in her lap. According to Ainsworth, what type or attachment might this baby be displaying?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jessie's behavior of crawling away from his mother, not seeking her attention, and crying/stiffening when she tries to pick him up indicates that he may have an avoidant attachment style. In this style, the child often avoids their caregiver and may not seek comfort or show distress when their caregiver leaves.

Jessie Is Being Evaluated in the Strange Situation Procedure