Question

Veran is an 8 month old infant whose mom is hosting a baby group gathering for three other young moms and their babies. Veran has been experiencing some stranger anxiety recently. Because the moms are coming to his house, which is a familiar setting, he is more likely to show which of the following when strangers come to his house?

A. More stranger anxiety
B. No separation protest
C. Less stranger anxiety
D. More separation protest

Answer 1

Veran is likely to experience less stranger anxiety due to the presence of his caregivers in a familiar setting, which provides a sense of security and a secure base to help mitigate his fears of unfamiliar individuals.

Step-by-step explanation:

Veran, an 8-month-old infant experiencing stranger anxiety, is in a situation where his environment remains constant while being exposed to unfamiliar people due to a baby group gathering. Stranger anxiety is a normal part of infant development and typically occurs as children begin to differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar individuals. This anxiety can manifest as crying or clinging to familiar caregivers when exposed to strangers. However, because this interaction is occurring in his home, a familiar setting, Veran is likely to experience less stranger anxiety compared to an unfamiliar setting.

Attachment research, including Ainsworth's Strange Situation procedure, suggests that children use their caregivers as a secure base from which to explore. When the caregiver is present in a known environment, such as the home, infants may feel more secure and thus exhibit reduced stranger anxiety. Furthermore, the presence of a familiar attachment figure can also serve to alleviate a child's fear.

In short, while stranger anxiety is a common and healthy response to new individuals, the impact of such anxiety can be dampened by the presence of consistent and nurturing caregivers in a familiar setting. Consequently, the answer to the student's question is C. Less stranger anxiety.