Which of the following best describes how an infant experiences a need for touch?

• A. Infants prefer to be left alone and do not show distress when separated from caregivers.
• B. Infants are indifferent to touch and show no preference for being held or cuddled.
• C. Infants only require touch for feeding and do not benefit emotionally from physical contact.
• D. Infants seek physical contact for comfort and security, which helps them form emotional bonds with caregivers.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in developmental psychology, touch is a fundamental need for infants, not just for physical survival but also for emotional development.
2. Recognize that infants use physical contact to feel comfort and security, which plays a crucial role in forming attachment bonds with their caregivers.
3. Consider research findings, such as those from Harlow's monkey experiments, which demonstrate the importance of tactile comfort over mere feeding in emotional development.
4. Evaluate the given options by comparing them to established psychological theories on attachment and infant needs, noting that infants do not prefer to be left alone or show indifference to touch.
5. Conclude that the best description is that infants seek physical contact for comfort and security, which supports their emotional bonding and overall development.