Child and adolescent psychiatry: disorganised attachment: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Child and adolescent psychiatry: disorganised attachment

Sample item

In a strange situation procedure, a 12-month-old approaches her mother on reunion with averted gaze, then freezes and falls to the floor. This contradictory behaviour suggests which pattern?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Disorganised attachment

Disorganised attachment shows contradictory, fearful or freezing behaviour toward the caregiver and is associated with maltreatment or frightening caregiving. Secure infants are comforted, avoidant infants ignore the caregiver, and ambivalent infants are clingy and angry.

Option by option

  • A. Avoidant attachment

    Avoidant infants ignore or turn away from the caregiver without distress.

  • B. Secure attachment

    Secure infants are easily comforted and resume play.

  • C. Disorganised attachment (correct)

    Correct. Freezing and contradictory approach behaviour define the pattern.

  • D. Ambivalent attachment

    Ambivalent infants seek contact but resist comfort with anger.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Disorganised attachment. Disorganised attachment shows contradictory, fearful or freezing behaviour toward the caregiver and is associated with maltreatment or frightening caregiving.

Why is "Avoidant attachment" not the answer?

Avoidant infants ignore or turn away from the caregiver without distress.

Why is "Secure attachment" not the answer?

Secure infants are easily comforted and resume play.

Why is "Ambivalent attachment" not the answer?

Ambivalent infants seek contact but resist comfort with anger.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Child and adolescent psychiatry: disorganised attachment in Psychiatry. Secure infants are comforted, avoidant infants ignore the caregiver, and ambivalent infants are clingy and angry.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Child and adolescent psychiatry: disorganised attachment?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.