The nurse notes that a new father is exhibiting engrossment. Which behavior supports this assessment?

• A. He demonstrates intense preoccupation with the newborn.
• B. He is interested in the infant's details.
• C. He expresses a desire to be close to the infant.
• D. He avoids eye contact with the infant.

Answer: (B)

Engrossment in new fathers is characterized by a deep, focused interest in the infant, with a strong curiosity about the baby's appearance, behaviors, and details. When a father wants to know the infant’s specifics—the color of the hair and eyes, facial features, the baby’s cues, and routine patterns—it shows he is actively observing and processing information about the child, which is a hallmark of engrossment. This detailed attention signals a strong cognitive and emotional investment in the infant. While wanting to be physically close to the baby is important for bonding, it reflects a broader protective or affectionate response rather than the specific, detail-oriented fascination that engrossment entails. Conversely, avoidance of eye contact suggests disengagement rather than engrossment, and a generalized preoccupation, though related, is less precise about the infant-specific focus that defines engrossment.