In which attachment style do children exhibit inconsistent behavior towards caregivers?

Children exhibiting ambivalent attachment demonstrate inconsistent behavior towards their caregivers as a result of their caregivers' unpredictable responses to their needs. This attachment style typically arises from caregivers who are sometimes nurturing and responsive but can also be intrusive or neglectful at other times. As a consequence, children with ambivalent attachment often display anxiety and uncertainty regarding their caregiver's availability, leading them to cling or seek closeness during stress but also display resistance or frustration during interactions.

This engagement with caregivers may alternate between seeking comfort and displaying anger or insecurity when their needs are not met promptly or consistently. This fluctuation in behavior is a hallmark of ambivalent attachment and contrasts with other attachment styles. For instance, secure attachment involves consistent and reliable interactions with caregivers, leading to a sense of safety and confidence in relationships. Avoidant attachment is characterized by a lack of reliance on the caregiver, where children tend to avoid or ignore them, and disorganized attachment reflects a lack of a clear attachment strategy, often stemming from confusing or frightening caregiving situations. Each of these other attachment styles demonstrates different patterns of behavior that do not reflect the inconsistencies seen in ambivalent attachment.