Which attachment style involves children showing exaggerated separation anxiety?

The attachment style characterized by children exhibiting exaggerated separation anxiety is indeed insecure-resistant attachment. This style is marked by a high level of distress when separated from caregivers and an ambivalence upon their return. Children who display this attachment style often have caregivers who are inconsistent in their availability and responsiveness; as a result, these children may cling to their caregivers and show intense emotional reactions when they are not present.

Insecure-resistant attachment reflects a lack of trust in the caregiver's ability to provide consistent support. As a result, these children may feel significant anxiety when faced with separation, contributing to their heightened emotional responses. They might also have difficulty calming down when the caregiver returns, as their emotions are tied to the unpredictability of their caregivers' responses. This attachment style illustrates how early experiences with caregivers can shape children’s emotional responses to separation and their attachment behaviors.