Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

In the "strange situation," which children are likely to be comforted by a stranger as much as by their mothers?

1. Resistant

2. Avoidant

3. Securely attached

4. No children can be comforted as well by a stranger

The correct answer is: Avoidant

In the "strange situation," the behavior of children with different attachment styles sheds light on their relationships with caregivers and others. Children who are categorized as having an avoidant attachment style typically demonstrate a tendency to avoid closeness with their caregivers. When facing stress or a novel situation, such as the presence of a stranger, these children may not show a strong preference for their primary attachment figure—in this case, the mother—over a stranger. Instead, they may respond to both entities similarly, often appearing indifferent or more willing to be comforted by a stranger without seeking the usual support or closeness that securely attached children would display. This behavior in avoidantly attached children reflects their underlying emotional strategies. They may have learned that seeking comfort from a caregiver is often not rewarding or that closeness is not consistently provided. Thus, in the "strange situation," they display a capacity to seek comfort from a stranger almost to the same extent as from their mother, accepting comfort from either when in distress, unlike securely attached children who typically prefer their primary caregiver in times of need.