According to attachment theory, what type of attachment is exhibited by a child that prefers their mother over others?

The concept of secure attachment is characterized by a strong and stable bond between a child and their caregiver, typically a mother. When a child shows a clear preference for their mother over others, it indicates a sense of safety and trust in their relationship with her. This type of attachment is crucial in the development of healthy emotional and social skills.

Children with secure attachment tend to feel confident in exploring their environment, knowing they can return to their caregiver for comfort and support. They are more likely to seek closeness with their primary attachment figure and show distress when separated, which signifies their reliance on that relationship for emotional security. This attachment style fosters resilience and adaptive functioning in various aspects of life, including relationships and personal development.

In contrast, other attachment styles such as avoidant, anxious, or disorganized reflect different dynamics that indicate insecurity or confusion in the child's relationship with caregivers. For example, avoidant attachment often includes a lack of preference for the caregiver, while anxious attachment features excessive clinginess and fear of separation. Disorganized attachment typically arises from inconsistent or frightening behavior from caregivers. These variations highlight why secure attachment is seen as the ideal, fostering healthy emotional growth and stability in children.