What attachment pattern is characterized by anxiety before a caregiver leaves and difficulty in seeking comfort upon their return?

The attachment pattern characterized by anxiety before a caregiver leaves and difficulty in seeking comfort upon their return is known as anxious attachment. This type of attachment develops when a caregiver is inconsistently available or responsive to a child's needs. As a result, the child becomes overly dependent on the caregiver for emotional support and exhibits heightened levels of anxiety when anticipating separation. Upon the caregiver’s return, rather than readily seeking comfort or reassurance, the child may display ambivalence, showing mixed behaviors such as approaching while also resisting closeness. This pattern reflects the child’s internal conflict and uncertainty regarding the caregiver’s availability and reliability.

In contrast, secure attachment typically involves a child feeling comfortable exploring their environment and seeking comfort from the caregiver when needed, leading to a consistent response upon the caregiver’s return. Avoidant attachment is characterized by a child’s apparent indifference toward the caregiver, often avoiding them upon return. Disorganized attachment reflects a lack of clear attachment behavior, where the child may exhibit confusion or contradictory actions towards the caregiver. Anxious attachment specifically highlights the distress experienced prior to separation and the complicated emotional response upon reunion, making it the correct choice in this context.