Spotlight on the psychological basis of childhood pet attachment and its implications

Figures & data

Table 1 Definitions and criteria for the four primary styles of attachment^16–18

Secure base designation	Attachment style	Attachment style definitions
Secure	Secure	Child is comforted by caretaker’s return after a brief absence. Child positively greets caretaker and seeks to be in contact with them, returning to play and exploration soon afterward
Insecure	Ambivalent (resistant)	Child displays contradictory behavior in response to caretaker’s return. Child may engage in excessive proximity- and contact-seeking toward their caretaker while showing persistent distress and being difficult to soothe
	Avoidant	Child avoids caretaker during reunion. Shows disinterest in caretaker’s whereabouts during separation and may explore whether or not caretaker is present
	Disorganized	Child displays contradictory behavioral patterns, undirected movements and expressions, including stereotypies. Disoriented behaviors include approaching with head averted, freezing for long periods of time, or displaying a dazed expression

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