Patterns of Attachment

Secure Attachment (» 65% of U.S. mid S.E.S.). Children:
· actively explore with mom present, plays happily
· upset by separation (visibly & vocally)
· greets her affectionately, calms down, resumes play
· outgoing with stranger while mom there
generally seem happy

Insecure Attachments. Three types (or two, depending on researcher)
Anxious & Resistant children:
· anxious, little exploration, stays close to mom
· very distressed at her departure
· wary of strangers
seem drawn to moms but distrustful
(slightly more frequent in Japan and Israel)

Anxious & Avoidant children:
· indifferent to mom's location
· little distress, if any, when she leaves
· may avoid contact when she returns
· not particularly wary of strangers
· strangers may be able to comfort as well as mom
seem detached, no specific attachment

Insecure Disoriented (Disorganized) children:
· ambivalent behaviour toward mom
· when she returns: may seek contact but resist comforting
seem confused in their relationships with mom