How might an absence of maternal bonding affect an infant?

An absence of maternal bonding can significantly impact an infant's emotional development. Maternal bonding serves as a foundational aspect of an infant's ability to form secure attachments, which are critical for emotional regulation and social interactions later in life. When a strong connection is not established, the infant may struggle to understand and express emotions, leading to difficulties in forming relationships and a heightened risk for emotional challenges as they grow.

This weakened emotional development can manifest in various ways, such as increased anxiety, difficulties in understanding social cues, or challenges in developing empathy. While it is possible for infants to form attachments to other caregivers, the absence of a primary bond can lead to a lack of emotional security that is pivotal in their early years. The developmental models emphasize the importance of early bonding and attachment for fostering healthy emotional growth, making this option the most accurate reflection of the potential consequences of lacking maternal bonding.