Question

Which of the following identifies the main idea of the text?

A. The development of children neglected in orphanages shows how parental attention and affection influence healthy brain development.
B. If children are not given affection at a young age, they will never be able to make up the development, even as adults.
C. Children who do not receive affection and attention are more likely to grow up to be violent and unstable adults.
D. If children are not adopted at a young enough age, they will be unable to develop a parental bond.

Answer 1

The main idea of the text is that parental attention and affection are essential for children's healthy development, influencing how they form attachments and their overall psychosocial development.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main idea of the text is that parental attention and affection are critical to the healthy brain development of children, particularly in how they form attachments. Developmental psychologists like John Bowlby highlighted the importance of a secure base and responsive caregiving for a child's social and emotional development. On the other hand, neglect and abuse lead to various long-term physical, mental, and emotional issues, which not only impact the child but also have broader societal implications.

When children experience avoidant attachment, they do not regard the parent as a secure base, indicating that the caregiver might be insensitive and inattentive to the child's needs. This lack of affection and attention can manifest in the child's vulnerability to several risks, including poor academic performance, mental health disorders, and substance abuse. The text underscores the complexity of psychosocial development and the roles that both nature and nurture play in shaping the outcomes for children.

Given the concepts and theories presented, the correct answer is A: The development of children neglected in orphanages shows how parental attention and affection influence healthy brain development.