What is indicative of insecure attachment in infants?

Insecure attachment in infants is characterized by behaviors that indicate a lack of a secure base from which they can explore the environment. Infants with an insecure attachment may exhibit clinginess and display signs of extreme distress when separated from their caregiver, such as crying uncontrollably or having difficulty calming down after the caregiver returns. This reaction demonstrates anxiety and uncertainty about the caregiver's availability and reliability, leading to a reliance on the caregiver for emotional support and security.

While securely attached infants may cry upon separation but can be consoled upon reunion, indicating they trust their caregiver, infants with insecure attachment have more pronounced fears and anxieties, which prevent them from feeling secure enough to explore independently. The other options describe behaviors typical of secure attachment or may indicate a more independent or avoidant style but do not align with the hallmark behaviors of insecurity, which are marked by distress and clinginess to the caregiver.