In the strange situation method, a child who pushes their mother away upon return or clings tightly, is demonstrating

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A child who pushes their mother away upon return or clings tightly is demonstrating ambivalent/resistant attachment. This type of attachment is characterized by a mix of seeking and rejecting behaviors, indicating that the child is both wary of and dependent on their caregiver. They may be anxious or uncertain about their caregiver's availability and responsiveness, leading to inconsistent behavior in the Strange Situation. Avoidant attachment (A) is characterized by a lack of seeking comfort from the caregiver and a tendency to avoid them. Nonattachment (B) suggests that the child is not demonstrating any attachment behaviors towards the caregiver, which is not the case here. Negative attachment (D) is not a recognized category in attachment theory.

In the Strange Situation Method, a Child Who Pushes Their