What is a key characteristic of insecure-disorganized attachment?

Insecure-disorganized attachment is characterized by a lack of a consistent and coherent attachment behavior from the child towards the caregiver. This means that the baby does not exhibit a clear attachment style, which is a fundamental aspect of insecure-disorganized attachment. The behaviors of infants in this category can be erratic or contradictory, often reflecting confusion and fear in the presence of the caregiver, which typically arises from a caregiver's inconsistent, frightening, or neglectful behavior.

When a child is confronted with a caregiver as a source of both comfort and fear, they can display a disorganized approach to attachment. This may manifest as a mix of behaviors, such as approaching the caregiver for comfort but then freezing or showing signs of distress in their presence. As a result, this attachment style lacks the predictability seen in secure attachment styles, where children consistently feel safe and comforted by their caregivers.

This understanding emphasizes the significant emotional turmoil and instability that children with insecure-disorganized attachment experience, differentiating them from other attachment styles that involve more predictable behaviors.