Disorganized-Disoriented Attachment in children is best described by which pattern?

Disorganized-Disoriented Attachment in children is best described by which pattern?

• A. Children show confusion about the caregiver and fear in new situations
• B. Children consistently explore freely with no fear
• C. Children form a strong, predictable attachment strategy
• D. Children show clear, steady reactions to caregiver absence

Answer: (A)

Disorganized-disoriented attachment shows no coherent strategy for handling stress around the caregiver, with behaviors that are contradictory or disoriented. A child might approach the caregiver and then suddenly freeze, look away, or display fear or confusion in the caregiver’s presence or in new situations. This lack of a consistent, organized way to seek comfort or explore is what sets this pattern apart. So the description that mentions confusion about the caregiver and fear in new situations fits best, because it captures the disorganized and sometimes frightening responses that characterize this attachment style. Other patterns describe more stable, predictable approaches—either freely exploring with a secure base, or maintaining a consistent, organized strategy in the face of separation and reunion.

Disorganized-disoriented attachment shows no coherent strategy for handling stress around the caregiver, with behaviors that are contradictory or disoriented. A child might approach the caregiver and then suddenly freeze, look away, or display fear or confusion in the caregiver’s presence or in new situations. This lack of a consistent, organized way to seek comfort or explore is what sets this pattern apart.

So the description that mentions confusion about the caregiver and fear in new situations fits best, because it captures the disorganized and sometimes frightening responses that characterize this attachment style. Other patterns describe more stable, predictable approaches—either freely exploring with a secure base, or maintaining a consistent, organized strategy in the face of separation and reunion.