Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

A child exhibiting ambivalently attached behavior is often characterized by clinging behavior and a refusal to explore their environment. This attachment style, typically identified in Mary Ainsworth's attachment theory, reflects a deep-seated anxiety about separation from the caregiver while also showing a lack of confidence to engage independently with their surroundings.

Children with ambivalent attachment may display distress when separated from the caregiver and, upon reunion, they may seek closeness yet simultaneously exhibit signs of anger or resistance. This behavior stems from inconsistent caregiving, leading the child to feel uncertain about their caregiver's availability and responsiveness, thus causing the clinginess.

While normal exploration would imply a secure base that fosters autonomy and confidence, a child with ambivalent attachment remains dependent on their caregiver for reassurance, which inhibits their exploration. Indifference toward separation and confusion during reunion describe different attachment styles that do not apply to ambivalent attachment, further affirming why clinging behavior and refusal to explore is the signature characteristic of this attachment style.