Which factor is NOT listed as influencing bonding and attachment?

• A. The infant's blood type
• B. Proximity and interaction
• C. Eye contact
• D. The parent's emotional state

Answer: (A)

Bonding and attachment grow from repeated, responsive interactions between caregiver and infant. Being in close proximity and engaging in rich interaction give the infant ample opportunity to read and respond to social cues, which builds familiarity and trust. Eye contact signals attention and attunement, helping the infant feel understood and secure. The parent’s emotional state matters because warmth, calmness, and emotional availability make the caregiver more sensitive to the infant’s needs, reinforcing a sense of safety and reliability. The infant’s blood type, on the other hand, is a biological attribute that does not influence how bonds are formed through daily interactions and emotional connection. So, the infant’s blood type would not be listed as a factor influencing bonding and attachment.