Which description best matches ambivalent attachment?

• A. Greet parents with positive emotions; content, engaged, on task.
• B. May avoid parents; withdrawn, quiet, anxious.
• C. Wary of strangers; anxious, not focused, insecure, asking a lot of questions.
• D. Confusion or apprehension; angry, depressed, not following directions, short fuse, difficulty making friends.

Answer: (C)

Ambivalent attachment is about heightened anxiety and insecurity around caregiver availability. A child with this pattern tends to be clingy and difficult to soothe, showing worry about whether the caregiver will be there. They may be wary of strangers and come across as anxious, unfocused, and insecure in new situations, because their attention is dominated by concerns about responsiveness from the caregiver. The description that highlights wariness of strangers along with persistent anxiety and insecurity best matches this pattern, signaling a child who is often on edge and seeks reassurance but has trouble settling. By contrast, secure attachment involves comfort and engagement with a caregiver, avoidant attachment shows withdrawal and little distress toward separation, and disorganized attachment features confusion and erratic behavior.