Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

When reunited with their mothers in the "strange situation," which type of children are fairly easily consoled and soon resume playing?

1. Resistant

2. Detached

3. Avoidant

4. Securely attached

The correct answer is: Securely attached

The concept of attachment styles, developed by John Bowlby and further studied by Mary Ainsworth, plays a crucial role in understanding children's behavior during the "strange situation" experiment. Children who are securely attached display a strong bond with their caregivers. When these children are reunited with their mothers after a brief separation, they demonstrate particular behaviors that indicate their attachment security. They are typically able to be easily consoled by their mothers, showing a willingness to seek comfort, and they quickly resume engaging in play. This response reflects their confidence that their mother's presence provides safety and support. In contrast, other attachment styles—such as resistant, avoidant, and detached—exhibit different behaviors upon reunion. Resistant children may cling to their caregivers but simultaneously show anger or frustration, avoidant children may ignore or avoid their mothers altogether, and detached children demonstrate a lack of interest in their mother's presence. These responses highlight the varying degrees of attachment security and the different emotional responses children have based on their relationships with caregivers.