What typical behavior is exhibited by a child with avoidant attachment?

A child with avoidant attachment typically displays behaviors that indicate a lack of reliance on their caregiver for emotional support. This attachment style often develops in response to a caregiver who is consistently unresponsive to the child’s emotional needs, leading the child to learn to be self-sufficient in coping with distress.

As a result, when a caregiver leaves or returns, the child may show minimal emotional response, appearing indifferent or uninterested. This behavior is a protective mechanism; by suppressing their emotional responses, the child attempts to avoid the pain of rejection or neglect. This detachment may manifest as a difficulty in forming close relationships, as the child has internalized the belief that their needs may not be met.

Other behaviors related to attachment styles further illustrate this concept. For example, excessive dependence on a caregiver or seeking constant attention indicates an anxious attachment style, while aggression towards peers can reflect issues that stem from insecure attachment. However, these are not characteristic of a child with avoidant attachment, which is precisely why showing little emotion towards the caregiver’s departure or return is the defining behavior in this scenario.