In the Strange Situation, children with a resistant attachment style exhibit contradictory behaviors. They are often clingy and too fearful to explore their surroundings, such as the toys in the room. Despite seeking closeness, they will then reject the caregiver's attempts to interact. When the caregiver leaves, these children become extremely angry and distressed. Upon the caregiver's return, they are difficult to soothe. This attachment pattern is considered a result of inconsistent responses from the caregiver to the child's needs.

Resistant/Anxious Child-Caregiver Attachment in the Strange Situation

People with this attachment style have a negative view of themself but have a positive view of others.  They doubt themselves but trust fully in others.

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- Dismissive (Avoidant) Attachment
- Fearful -Avoidant (Disorganized) Attachment
- Preoccupied (Anxious) Attachment
- Secure attachment 


Attachment Styles

unknown. (n.d.). Apa Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association. Retrieved November 2, 2021, from https://dictionary.apa.org/attachment-style. 

APA Definition of Attachment Styles - Each Attachment Linked

Positive view of oneself (worthy of love) and positive view of others (accepting and loving).  In a child-parent relationship, the child is not stressed when the parent leaves the room.

Secure Attachment

In contrast to parent-child relationships, both partners may rely on each other to fulfill attachment needs in adult relationships. Thus, attachment and caregiving processes are highly interrelated in adults. Adult attachment styles develop along two dimensions: attachment-related anxiety and attachment-related avoidance.

Attachment Styles in Adults

People with this attachment style have a negative view of themselves and others. Doubt themselves and others when it comes to their own abilities and their partner's abilities.

Fearful-Avoidant (Disorganized) Attachment 

Preoccupied (Anxious) Attachment

People with this attachment style view themselves as worthy of love but view other people as untrustworthy.  Summary: positive view of self, negative view of others

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