insecure attachment

in the Strange Situation, one of several patterns of a generally negative parent–child relationship in which the child fails to display confidence when the parent is present, sometimes shows distress when the parent leaves, and reacts to the returning parent by avoidance (see avoidant attachment) or with ambivalence (see ambivalent attachment). See also anxious–avoidant attachment; anxious–resistant attachment; disorganized attachment. Compare secure attachment.

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Psychology term of the day

January 23rd 2025

negative recency

negative recency

in recalling a list of items, the tendency to recall fewer of the final items of the list than the middle and early items. Negative recency contrasts with the enhanced recall of final items seen in the recency effect. Also called negative recency effect