Secure attachment — MRCPsych Paper A MCQ

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EasyPsychologySecure attachmentMRCPsych Paper A

During a structured observation, a 12-month-old infant explores unfamiliar toys while regularly checking back with his mother. After a brief separation, he approaches her on reunion, accepts comfort and soon returns to play. Which of the following best describes this infant’s attachment?

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Correct answer: A — Secure attachment

The correct answer is A, secure attachment. The infant uses his mother to support confident exploration, seeks proximity after separation, accepts comfort and then resumes play. This coordinated use of the caregiver as both a secure base and a source of comfort is characteristic of secure attachment. In insecure-resistant attachment, the infant is typically difficult to soothe and may resist contact despite seeking proximity. An insecure-avoidant infant tends to minimise attachment behaviour and avoid or ignore the caregiver on reunion. Disorganised attachment involves contradictory, apprehensive or disoriented behaviour without a coherent strategy. Reactive attachment disorder involves persistently emotionally withdrawn behaviour towards caregivers and is not suggested by this normal comfort-seeking response.

Reference: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Children’s attachment: attachment in children and young people who are adopted from care, in care or at high risk of going into care. NICE guideline NG26, section 2.3, 2015. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng26/evidence/full-guideline-pdf-78486774807