Final answer:
The child's relationship with a caregiver that is described is establishing trust with at least one caregiver. This characteristic relates to a secure attachment style where the caregiver's responsiveness helps develop trust. The attachment theory by Bowlby and Ainsworth's research emphasize the importance of a secure base and the different attachment styles that can form based on caregiver interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic being described regarding the child's relationship with a caregiver is C) Establishing trust with at least one caregiver. According to Erikson (1963), the primary task during infancy is developing trust versus mistrust. A securely attached child sees the world as a safe and predictable place, primarily because their caregiver is responsive and sensitive to their needs. However, avoidant attachment may develop if caregivers are unresponsive or inattentive, leading the child to become unresponsive and indifferent toward the caregiver and not use them as a secure base.
Attachment theory, as developed by Bowlby (1969), suggests that infants form an affectional bond with a primary caregiver, vital for normal social and emotional development. This bond also provides a secure base for exploring their surroundings.
Ainsworth expanded on Bowlby's theory by classifying different attachment styles, with secure attachment being the healthiest. During the Strange Situation experiment, securely attached children displayed distress when separated from caregivers but were comforted upon their return. Resistant attachment and avoidant attachment are less desirable outcomes linked to caregivers' inconsistency or unresponsiveness.