Rehana Argues That Sara, Her 1-year-old Daughter, Displays An Ambivalent Or Resistant Attachment Pattern. Which Of The Following, If True, Strengthens Her Argument?A. Sara Screams And Wails When Rehana Leaves But Starts Smiling When She Returns.B. Sara

Mar 8, 2025 by ADMIN 253 views

Understanding Ambivalent Attachment in Children: A Case Study

Ambivalent attachment is a type of attachment pattern that children may develop when they experience inconsistent or unpredictable caregiving from their primary caregivers. This can lead to a mix of positive and negative emotions towards the caregiver, resulting in a resistant or ambivalent attachment pattern. In this article, we will explore the concept of ambivalent attachment in children and examine a case study to determine which of the following statements, if true, strengthens the argument that a 1-year-old child displays an ambivalent or resistant attachment pattern.

What is Ambivalent Attachment?

Ambivalent attachment is a type of attachment pattern that is characterized by a mix of positive and negative emotions towards the caregiver. Children with ambivalent attachment may exhibit behaviors such as:

Separation anxiety: Children with ambivalent attachment may become distressed when their caregiver leaves, but may also become angry or resistant when the caregiver returns.
Inconsistent behavior: Children with ambivalent attachment may exhibit inconsistent behavior, such as being affectionate one moment and rejecting the caregiver the next.
Difficulty with emotional regulation: Children with ambivalent attachment may have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to mood swings and tantrums.

Case Study: Rehana and Sara

Rehana argues that her 1-year-old daughter, Sara, displays an ambivalent or resistant attachment pattern. To determine which of the following statements, if true, strengthens her argument, let's examine the following scenarios:

A. Sara screams and wails when Rehana leaves but starts smiling when she returns.

This statement suggests that Sara exhibits separation anxiety and inconsistent behavior, which are characteristic of ambivalent attachment. When Rehana leaves, Sara becomes distressed, indicating that she has a strong attachment to her mother. However, when Rehana returns, Sara starts smiling, indicating that she has a positive emotional response to her mother's return. This inconsistent behavior is a hallmark of ambivalent attachment.

B. Sara is generally happy and affectionate when Rehana is around, but becomes resistant and angry when Rehana tries to leave.

This statement suggests that Sara exhibits inconsistent behavior and difficulty with emotional regulation, which are characteristic of ambivalent attachment. When Rehana is around, Sara is happy and affectionate, indicating that she has a positive emotional response to her mother. However, when Rehana tries to leave, Sara becomes resistant and angry, indicating that she has a negative emotional response to separation. This inconsistent behavior is a hallmark of ambivalent attachment.

C. Sara is generally resistant and angry when Rehana is around, but becomes happy and affectionate when Rehana leaves.

This statement suggests that Sara exhibits a resistant attachment pattern, but not ambivalent attachment. When Rehana is around, Sara is resistant and angry, indicating that she has a negative emotional response to her mother. However, when Rehana leaves, Sara becomes happy and affectionate, indicating that she has a positive emotional response to separation. This behavior is not characteristic of ambivalent attachment.

D. Sara is generally happy and affectionate when Rehana is around, and remains happy and affectionate when Rehana leaves.

This statement suggests that Sara exhibits a secure attachment pattern, not ambivalent attachment. When Rehana is around, Sara is happy and affectionate, indicating that she has a positive emotional response to her mother. When Rehana leaves, Sara remains happy and affectionate, indicating that she has a secure attachment to her mother. This behavior is not characteristic of ambivalent attachment.

Based on the case study, statement A strengthens Rehana's argument that Sara displays an ambivalent or resistant attachment pattern. Sara's behavior of screaming and wailing when Rehana leaves, but starting to smile when Rehana returns, is characteristic of ambivalent attachment. This inconsistent behavior and difficulty with emotional regulation are hallmarks of ambivalent attachment, and statement A provides evidence of these behaviors.

If you suspect that your child may be exhibiting an ambivalent or resistant attachment pattern, here are some recommendations:

Provide consistent and predictable caregiving: Children with ambivalent attachment may benefit from consistent and predictable caregiving, which can help to reduce their anxiety and uncertainty.
Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement, such as praise and rewards, can help to encourage positive behavior and reduce negative behavior.
Model healthy emotional regulation: Children learn by observing their caregivers, so it's essential to model healthy emotional regulation and coping skills.
Seek professional help: If you're concerned about your child's attachment pattern, seek professional help from a pediatrician, therapist, or counselor.

By understanding ambivalent attachment and providing consistent and predictable caregiving, parents can help their children develop a secure attachment pattern and reduce the risk of ambivalent attachment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ambivalent Attachment in Children

Ambivalent attachment is a type of attachment pattern that children may develop when they experience inconsistent or unpredictable caregiving from their primary caregivers. This can lead to a mix of positive and negative emotions towards the caregiver, resulting in a resistant or ambivalent attachment pattern. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about ambivalent attachment in children.

Q: What are the signs of ambivalent attachment in children?

A: Children with ambivalent attachment may exhibit behaviors such as:

Separation anxiety: Children with ambivalent attachment may become distressed when their caregiver leaves, but may also become angry or resistant when the caregiver returns.
Inconsistent behavior: Children with ambivalent attachment may exhibit inconsistent behavior, such as being affectionate one moment and rejecting the caregiver the next.
Difficulty with emotional regulation: Children with ambivalent attachment may have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to mood swings and tantrums.

Q: What causes ambivalent attachment in children?

A: Ambivalent attachment in children is often caused by inconsistent or unpredictable caregiving from their primary caregivers. This can be due to a variety of factors, including:

Parental stress or anxiety: Caregivers who are stressed or anxious may be less responsive to their child's needs, leading to inconsistent caregiving.
Parental substance abuse: Caregivers who abuse substances may be less responsive to their child's needs, leading to inconsistent caregiving.
Parental mental health issues: Caregivers who have mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, may be less responsive to their child's needs, leading to inconsistent caregiving.

Q: How can I help my child develop a secure attachment pattern?

A: To help your child develop a secure attachment pattern, try the following:

Provide consistent and predictable caregiving: Children with ambivalent attachment may benefit from consistent and predictable caregiving, which can help to reduce their anxiety and uncertainty.
Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement, such as praise and rewards, can help to encourage positive behavior and reduce negative behavior.
Model healthy emotional regulation: Children learn by observing their caregivers, so it's essential to model healthy emotional regulation and coping skills.
Seek professional help: If you're concerned about your child's attachment pattern, seek professional help from a pediatrician, therapist, or counselor.

Q: Can ambivalent attachment be treated?

A: Yes, ambivalent attachment can be treated with the help of a professional. A therapist or counselor can work with you and your child to develop a plan to improve your child's attachment pattern. This may involve:

Parent-child therapy: This type of therapy involves working with you and your child to develop a stronger attachment bond.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This type of therapy involves helping your child to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Emotionally focused therapy: This type of therapy involves helping your child to develop healthier emotional regulation skills.

Q: How long does it take to treat ambivalent attachment?

A: The length of time it takes to treat ambivalent attachment can vary depending on the individual child and the severity of the attachment pattern. Some children may respond quickly to treatment, while others may require more time and effort.

Q: Can ambivalent attachment affect my child's relationships in the future?

A: Yes, ambivalent attachment can affect your child's relationships in the future. Children with ambivalent attachment may have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships, as they may struggle with emotional regulation and attachment issues.

Ambivalent attachment is a type of attachment pattern that children may develop when they experience inconsistent or unpredictable caregiving from their primary caregivers. By understanding the signs of ambivalent attachment and providing consistent and predictable caregiving, parents can help their children develop a secure attachment pattern and reduce the risk of ambivalent attachment. If you're concerned about your child's attachment pattern, seek professional help from a pediatrician, therapist, or counselor.