Attachment is defined as

• A. A temporary emotional bond that develops between infant and caregiver.
• B. Enduring emotional bond that develops between infant and caregiver.
• C. A physical bond such as the placenta.
• D. The ritual of caregiving.

Answer: (B)

Attachment is an enduring emotional bond that develops between infant and caregiver. This lasting connection provides the infant with a sense of security and a base for exploring the world, influencing emotional regulation and later relationships. It goes beyond momentary closeness or physical processes; it reflects a sustained relationship built through responsive, sensitive caregiving.

A temporary emotional bond or a physical connection like the placenta doesn’t capture this lasting, relational quality. Likewise, the idea of caregiving as a ritual misses that attachment is about the emotional ties and sense of security that emerge from consistent, caring interactions, not merely the act of caregiving itself.