Which attachment type is noted to have the highest prevalence among infants?

Secure attachment is the most prevalent attachment type identified in infants, and this prevalence is supported by extensive research in developmental psychology. Secure attachment occurs when infants feel safe and trust that their caregivers will meet their needs consistently. This type of attachment develops when caregivers are responsive, nurturing, and emotionally available.

Studies indicate that approximately 60-70% of infants display secure attachment behaviors, reflecting a strong foundation for healthy social and emotional development. Infants showing secure attachment tend to explore their environment more confidently, knowing they can return to a secure base— their caregiver—when needed. This sense of security fosters resilience and better relational skills later in life.

In contrast, the other attachment types typically arise from less consistent or responsive caregiving, leading to greater emotional and behavioral challenges in the future. Insecure-avoidant attachment and insecure-ambivalent attachment tend to occur in a smaller percentage of the population, while insecure-disorganized attachment, which is often observed in high-risk situations such as trauma or parental mental illness, is the least common. Understanding the prevalence and implications of secure attachment is essential for supporting healthy developmental outcomes in infants.