Which type of attachment is characterized by a child's distress when separated from the caregiver?

The type of attachment characterized by a child's distress when separated from the caregiver is secure attachment. In a secure attachment, children feel safe and comfortable in their caregiver's presence and are likely to seek out that caregiver for comfort and support when they are distressed. When these children experience separation, they exhibit noticeable signs of distress, such as crying or searching for the caregiver.

Securely attached children typically have caregivers who are responsive and sensitive to their needs, which fosters a strong emotional bond. This bond allows the child to develop trust in the caregiver, which contributes to their confidence in exploring their environment when the caregiver is present. The presence of distress during separation highlights the child's reliance on and connection with their caregiver, which is a hallmark of secure attachment.

In contrast, avoidant attachment tends to occur when caregivers are unresponsive or reject the child's needs, leading children to learn to minimize their distress. Anxious attachment is marked by clinginess, yet it's often accompanied by inconsistent responses from caregivers. Disorganized attachment results from inconsistent or chaotic caregiving, leading to confusion and fear rather than a secure base for the child.