Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Children with disorganized attachment typically exhibit which type of behavior?

1. Hyperactive behavior

2. Contradictory behaviour

3. Excessive independence

4. Withdrawal from social interactions

The correct answer is: Contradictory behaviour

Children with disorganized attachment typically exhibit contradictory behavior because their responses to caregivers are often unpredictable and conflicted. This may manifest in ways such as moving towards the caregiver for comfort and then pulling away or showing fear. These behaviors stem from the child's inability to develop a coherent strategy for dealing with stress or distress, often because they have experienced inconsistent, frightening, or chaotic care from their attachment figures. Such contradictory attitudes reflect the confusion and ambivalence that disorganized attachment generates, highlighting the child's struggle to interact positively with the caregiver. Consequently, the corresponding behaviors fundamentally illustrate their internal conflict and distress in forming secure attachments.