Which infant behavior indicates attachment development?

• A. Responding to parental comforting measures.
• B. Crying without comforting.
• C. Sleeping longer than usual.
• D. Avoiding eye contact.

Answer: (A)

Attachment development shows up when an infant uses the caregiver as a source of comfort and calms down in response to soothing. This behavior demonstrates that the infant has learned the caregiver will provide safety and reassurance, forming a trusting bond that characterizes secure attachment. When the infant responds to parental comforting, they are signaling that the caregiver is a reliable haven to turn to in distress.

Crying without comforting doesn’t establish this bond because the infant isn’t receiving soothing from the caregiver, so the sense of security isn’t reinforced. Sleeping longer and avoiding eye contact aren’t direct indicators of attachment formation in themselves—they can reflect other factors like sleep patterns or, in the case of eye contact, broader social development issues. The key sign of attachment development is the infant seeking and benefiting from the caregiver’s comforting presence.