What type of attachment is characterized by a baby showing little exploration during separation?

The type of attachment characterized by a baby showing little exploration during separation is known as insecure avoidant attachment. Insecure avoidant children typically display a lack of interest in their surroundings and seem indifferent to the caregivers' presence or absence. When separated from the caregiver, these children do not exhibit distress; instead, they may engage in minimal activity and avoid seeking comfort upon reunion, indicating an emotional distance.

Insecure avoidant attachment often develops in environments where caregivers are consistently unavailable or unresponsive to the child's needs, leading the child to become self-reliant and to suppress emotional expression as a coping mechanism. This behavioral pattern highlights their struggle with trust and reliance on others for comfort, which contrasts starkly with secure attachment, where children explore freely and seek proximity to the caregiver, and with other forms of insecure attachment that may involve more overt displays of distress or anxiety.