What is a common characteristic of insecure-resistant attached children?

Insecure-resistant attachment, often characterized by a child's ambivalence toward their caregiver, is associated with more crying and exploration avoidance. Children with this attachment style may display significant distress when separated from their caregiver and may resist comfort upon reunion. This behavior stems from their uncertainty about whether their needs will be met by their caregivers, leading them to express heightened anxiety and reluctance to explore their environment independently.

In contrast, the other characteristics associated with attachment styles do not align with the behaviors typically seen in insecure-resistant attachment. High interest in exploring would indicate a secure attachment, demonstrating confidence that the caregiver will be available when needed. Low separation anxiety again suggests security, as children with secure attachments usually feel safe to explore. A lack of interest in mothers signifies an avoidant attachment style, where children show little preference for their caregiver because of past unreliability. Therefore, the unique traits of insecure-resistant attachment center on heightened emotional responses and conflicted behavior regarding exploration and comfort.