Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What kind of attachment might be formed if a caregiver is consistently unresponsive to an infant's needs?

1. Secure attachment

2. Avoidant attachment

3. Resistant attachment

4. Disorganized attachment

The correct answer is: Avoidant attachment

When a caregiver is consistently unresponsive to an infant's needs, the infant is likely to develop avoidant attachment. This form of attachment typically arises when a caregiver fails to provide adequate emotional support and reassurance, leading the infant to learn that their needs will not be met. Consequently, the infant may adopt a strategy of minimizing their attachment-related behaviors, such as seeking comfort or expressing distress. This can manifest in behaviors like turning away from the caregiver or showing indifference to their presence, which characterizes avoidant attachment. In contrast, secure attachment develops from consistent responsiveness to an infant's needs, while resistant attachment arises from inconsistent caregiving, where the caregiver alternates between being responsive and unresponsive. Disorganized attachment emerges from a lack of a clear attachment strategy due to fears or confusion about the caregiver’s availability. Therefore, avoidant attachment specifically reflects the outcome of a caregiver's consistent unresponsiveness.