Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which term best describes the emotional bond between a child and their primary caregiver?

1. Attachment

2. Affection

3. Connection

4. Bonding

The correct answer is: Attachment

The term that best describes the emotional bond between a child and their primary caregiver is attachment. Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and further expanded by Mary Ainsworth, emphasizes the significance of this emotional connection in the child's development. It involves the infant's need to seek proximity to a caregiver, particularly in times of distress, which fosters trust, safety, and emotional security. This bond plays a crucial role in the child's social and emotional development, influencing future relationships and the ability to form healthy attachments later in life. The other terms, while related, do not capture the complexity and depth of this specific emotional relationship. Affection refers more generally to feelings of love or fondness, rather than the secure base that attachment implies. Connection can suggest a broader feeling or relationship but lacks the specific focus on the caregiver-child dynamic. Bonding often describes the process by which caregivers establish a relationship with their child but does not encompass the ongoing emotional relationship that attachment denotes. Therefore, attachment is the most accurate term in this context.