Which attachment style reflects children who exhibit ambivalent behaviors toward both parents and strangers?

The attachment style that reflects children exhibiting ambivalent behaviors toward both parents and strangers is known as insecure-resistant attachment. Children with this attachment style often display a mix of behaviors: they may show distress when separated from their caregiver, yet display ambivalence toward them upon reunion. They may cling to their caregivers but also resist comfort and tend to be wary of strangers as well. This ambivalence indicates a lack of consistency in their emotional responses, which can stem from inconsistent caregiving.

Insecure-resistant attachment often occurs when caregivers are unpredictably available, leading the child to become confused and anxious about their attachment figure's reliability. This contrasts with secure attachment, where children feel safe and welcomed in their environment, or insecure-avoidant attachment, where children tend to avoid closeness. Insecure-disorganized attachment, while displaying disorganized behavior, doesn't specifically denote ambivalence towards both parents and strangers like insecure-resistant does. Hence, the distinction of insecure-resistant attachment accurately captures the described behaviors.