Key Definitions

Question 1

Proximity seeking

Answer 1

An infant with a good attachment will stay fairly close to the caregiver.

Question 2

Secure-base behaviour

Answer 2

Good attachment enables a child to feel confident to explore, using their caregiver as a secure base.

Question 3

Stranger anxiety

Answer 3

One of the signs of becoming closely attached is a display of anxiety when a stranger approaches.

Question 4

Separation anxiety

Answer 4

Another sign of becoming attached is to protest at separation from the caregiver.

Question 5

Response to reunion

Answer 5

With the caregiver after separation for a short period of time under the caregiver.

Question 6

Secure attachment

Answer 6

Children explore happily but go back to their caregiver. Usually show moderate separation and stranger anxiety. Require and accept comfort upon reunion.

Question 7

Insecure-avoidant

Answer 7

Explore freely but do not seek proximity or show secure base. They show little or no reaction when their caregiver leaves and make little contact upon return. Show little anxiety.

Question 8

Insecure-resistant

Answer 8

These children seek greater proximity and explore less, show huge stranger and separation anxiety but resist comfort upon return.