Which attachment style is characterized by normal separation anxiety and happiness upon a parent's return?

The securely attached style is characterized by a healthy balance in the relationship between a child and their caregiver. Children with this attachment style typically display normal, age-appropriate levels of separation anxiety when a parent leaves, indicating a secure bond. Upon the parent's return, these children show clear signs of happiness and comfort, such as seeking proximity to the caregiver, engaging in joyful interactions, and returning to play after the reunion. This attachment style reflects the caregiver's consistent and responsive behaviors, providing the child with the confidence to explore their environment while knowing they can rely on their caregiver for support when needed.

In contrast, other attachment styles, like insecure-resistant or insecure-avoidant, would manifest differently. For instance, children with an insecure-resistant attachment may show extreme distress upon separation and may not easily be comforted upon reunion, while those with an insecure-avoidant attachment might display little emotional response to separation or return. Insecure-disorganized attachment is often marked by a lack of clear attachment behavior and may exhibit confusion or contradictory behaviors toward the caregiver. These distinctions further emphasize why securely attached children experience both normal separation anxiety and happiness upon reunion.