A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What behaviour is demonstrated by babies seeking proximity and contact with their mothers according to Ainsworth and Bell's attachment behaviours scale?

1. Proximity- and interaction-avoiding

2. Contact-maintaining behaviours

3. Searching

4. Contact- and interaction-resisting (with stranger)

The correct answer is: Contact-maintaining behaviours

The behaviour demonstrated by babies seeking proximity and contact with their mothers is characterized as contact-maintaining behaviours. This term specifically refers to a child's inclination to stay close to a primary caregiver, indicating a strong attachment bond. According to Ainsworth and Bell's research, secure attachment is often reflected in such behaviours, where children actively seek comfort and reassurance from their mothers, especially in unfamiliar or stressful situations. These behaviours help to foster a sense of security and stability in the child, as they feel protected and cared for by their attachment figure. Maintaining contact with a mother figure signifies the child's trust and emotional reliance on that person, which is fundamental to healthy attachment development. In contrast, the other descriptions do not encapsulate the nature of seeking closeness and connection that is observed in infants with secure attachments. Proximity- and interaction-avoiding suggests a reluctance to engage, while searching implies an exploration without the drive to maintain contact. Lastly, contact- and interaction-resisting would highlight avoidance of both the caregiver and new individuals, which is inconsistent with the observed behaviour of seeking proximity with a primary attachment figure.