Anxious-Resistant Attachment

Anxious-resistant attachment is a pattern that develops in early childhood when a caregiver is inconsistently available or responsive. Children with this attachment may feel unsure if their needs will be met and often become anxious or clingy when separated from the caregiver. They might seek comfort when upset but then resist or reject it upon reassurance, leading to mixed signals. This behavior reflects a child's efforts to gain attention and security from an unpredictable caregiver and can influence their relationships and emotional regulation later in life.