In attachment research, what does the term "contact comfort" refer to?

• A. An infant's fear of unfamiliar people that typically emerges toward the end of the first year
• B. An infant's preference for physical touch and bodily warmth from a caregiver, even when that caregiver is not the primary source of food
• C. The idea that infants become attached mainly because caregivers consistently provide nourishment
• D. A caregiver's tendency to respond quickly and consistently to an infant's distress signals

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that 'contact comfort' is a concept from attachment research, particularly studied by Harry Harlow in his experiments with rhesus monkeys.
2. Recognize that 'contact comfort' refers to the importance of physical touch and bodily warmth in forming attachment bonds, beyond just the provision of food or nourishment.
3. Note that Harlow's studies showed infant monkeys preferred a soft, comforting surrogate mother over a wire mother that provided food, highlighting the role of comfort in attachment.
4. Differentiate 'contact comfort' from other attachment-related concepts such as fear of strangers, consistent caregiving responses, or nourishment as the sole basis for attachment.
5. Conclude that 'contact comfort' specifically means an infant's preference for physical touch and warmth from a caregiver, even if that caregiver is not the primary source of food.