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secure attachment

1. in the Strange Situation, the positive parent–child relationship, in which the child displays confidence when the parent is present, shows mild distress when the parent leaves, and quickly reestablishes contact when the parent returns. Compare insecure attachment.

2. an adult attachment style that combines a positive internal working model of attachment of oneself, characterized by a view of oneself as worthy of love, and a positive internal working model of attachment of others, characterized by the view that others are generally accepting and responsive. Compare dismissive attachment; fearful attachment; preoccupied attachment.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

monophasic sleep

monophasic sleep

a sleep pattern in which sleeping occurs in one long period once a day, typically at night. Compare polyphasic sleep. See also sleep–wake cycle.