What are the three main attachment styles identified by Ainsworth?

The three main attachment styles identified by Ainsworth are secure, insecure avoidant, and insecure ambivalent/resistant. A secure attachment reflects a healthy bond where the child feels safe and confident in exploring their environment, knowing they can rely on their caregiver for support when needed. Insecure avoidant attachment occurs when a child tends to avoid connection with their caregiver, often due to a lack of responsiveness or a negative experience, leading to difficulties in forming close relationships. Insecure ambivalent or resistant attachment is characterized by anxiety in the child, as they may display clinginess and an unpredictability in their responses to the caregiver, stemming from inconsistency in support from the caregiver. Recognizing these attachment styles is crucial for understanding child development and the formation of relationships throughout life.

The other choices contain variations of attachment styles that either mix terms inappropriately or include options not identified by Ainsworth, making them less accurate representations of her research on attachment.