Which attachment style is characterized by a child's avoidance of strangers?

The attachment style characterized by a child's avoidance of strangers is known as avoidant attachment. In this style, children often show a clear preference for their primary caregiver and may be indifferent or dismissive toward other individuals, including unfamiliar people. This can manifest as the child not seeking comfort from strangers or actively avoiding them.

Children with avoidant attachment generally learn to minimize their expectations of comfort from others and may not express distress when a caregiver leaves. Instead, they often appear self-sufficient and are less likely to seek proximity to caregivers when they are distressed. This pattern reflects a coping mechanism that develops in response to caregiving that is inconsistent, dismissive, or unresponsive. By avoiding strangers and often being aloof, these children exhibit a behavioral strategy that aligns with their experiences and attachments in early interactions.