During Phase 1 of John Bowlby's conceptualization of attachment, which behavior is most characteristic of infants toward their caregivers?

• A. Infants show a strong preference for a specific caregiver.
• B. Infants actively seek proximity to the caregiver and protest when separated.
• C. Infants exhibit clear separation anxiety when the caregiver leaves.
• D. Infants display indiscriminate social responsiveness to all people.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that John Bowlby's attachment theory describes different phases of attachment development in infants, each characterized by specific behaviors toward caregivers.
2. Identify that Phase 1, also called the 'pre-attachment phase,' occurs from birth to about 6 weeks of age, where infants do not show a preference for a specific caregiver.
3. Recognize that during this phase, infants display 'indiscriminate social responsiveness,' meaning they respond positively to any human, not just familiar caregivers.
4. Contrast this with later phases where infants begin to show preference for specific caregivers and exhibit behaviors like seeking proximity and separation anxiety.
5. Conclude that the behavior most characteristic of infants in Phase 1 is their general responsiveness to all people rather than selective attachment behaviors.