What type of parenting style might lead to a child developing resistance to comfort?

The choice of ambivalent parenting style accurately highlights the development of resistance to comfort in children. Ambivalent parenting, characterized by inconsistent responses to a child's needs, can lead to confusion and anxiety. Children raised in this environment may become uncertain about their parents' reliability and support, causing them to develop a wariness towards comfort and nurturing when they are distressed.

In ambivalent parenting, caregivers often oscillate between being overly involved and emotionally available to being detached or dismissive. As a result, the child learns that seeking comfort may not consistently result in a supportive response, leading to difficulty in accepting comfort even when it is offered. This lack of stability can manifest as resistance to comfort in stressful situations, as the child may doubt whether their needs will be met effectively.

Other parenting styles, such as neglectful, permissive, or authoritarian, do not align with the characteristics that specifically lead to such a developmental outcome. Neglectful parenting, for example, can result in a lack of warmth and support but does not typically encourage the ambivalence associated with comfort-seeking behaviors. Understanding these variations in parenting styles helps clarify why ambivalent parenting particularly fosters resistance to comfort.