Final answer:
Signs of positive bonding between parents and infants include expressions of affection, frequent holding, and consistently meeting the infant's needs. Secure attachment is facilitated by caregivers who are responsive and provide a safe base for exploration. Positive bonding impacts the child's overall development and is reinforced by physical closeness and enjoyable interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 3 signs of positive bonding between parents and an infant are:
- Expression of affection
- Frequent holding of the infant
- Consistent response to infant needs
Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby, suggests that bonding is crucial for an infant's social and emotional development. A secure attachment, characterized by a caregiver's sensitivity and responsiveness, is ideal for a child's wellbeing. During the Strange Situation experiment, children with secure attachments showed distress during separation but were happy upon their caregiver's return. Positive bonding is crucial as it lays the foundation for a healthy attachment style, which is demonstrative in mutually enjoyable interactions, as seen in Figure 9.13.
Bonding can also be influenced by infants' innate reflexes like the Moro and grasping reflexes, which promote physical closeness. Parents who provide responsive care and engage in enjoyable interactions with their infant foster an environment conducive to positive bonding.