Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

The trait most indicative of a 'disengaged attachment pattern' in childhood is:

1. High sensitivity

2. Insecure attachment

3. Disconnection

4. Highly aggressive behavior

The correct answer is: Insecure attachment

The correct answer, indicating that 'insecure attachment' is most indicative of a 'disengaged attachment pattern' in childhood, reflects the characteristics associated with how children relate to caregivers. A disengaged attachment pattern often stems from inconsistent, unresponsive, or rejecting caregiving. As a result, children develop insecurity in their attachments, leading them to avoid seeking comfort, connection, or closeness with caregivers or significant others. This insecurity influences their ability to form stable emotional connections and can manifest behaviors like emotional distancing or lack of trust. Therefore, identifying insecure attachment as the trait most indicative of disengaged attachment aligns with established theories in attachment research, emphasizing the importance of responsive caregiving in developing a secure attachment style. While high sensitivity and aggressive behavior can be seen in various attachment styles or other emotional responses, they do not specifically characterize the disengaged pattern as effectively as insecure attachment does. Disconnection might relate to a lack of emotional engagement, but it’s the deeper underlying insecurity that defines the pattern more accurately.