Each of the following infants is being tested using Ainsworth's Strange Situation Classification. Based on their reactions to the situation, which attachment style is exhibited by the infant?
Secure attachment is characteristic of infants who use their parent or caregiver as a safe home base from which they can wander off and explore their environments, whereas insecure attachment is characteristic of infants who avoid or show ambivalence or resistance toward their parent or caregiver. Infants may display a disorganized attachment if they are unsure of how to cope with the stress of a separation.
Samantha: As long as her mother is present, Samantha eagerly explores the room and plays with the toys. When her mother leaves, Samantha becomes somewhat upset, but when she returns, Samantha quickly calms down.
Major: Instead of happily exploring the attractive toys in the room, little Major tenaciously clings to his mother's skirt. He becomes extremely upset when his mother leaves the room but is not reassured or comforted by her return a short while later.
Adithi: When her mother leaves the room, Adithi does not show much response. When her mother returns, Adithi continues playing and does not appear to be interested in her mother.
Robert: When his mother leaves the room, Robert cries, but soon begins to wander around the room as if looking for something. He is not interested in the toys. When his mother returns, he smiles and begins to run to her, but then suddenly falls to the floor and begins to kick and whine in anger.