Infants' early relationships with caregivers are believed to lay the groundwork for the child's interactions with others.What other aspect of the child's future is believed to be shaped by these early relationships?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Infants' early relationships with caregivers can influence the development of their self-concept or sense of self-worth and identity. When caregivers provide consistent and sensitive care, infants are more likely to develop a secure attachment style and a positive sense of self, while inconsistent or neglectful care can lead to an insecure attachment style and negative self-concept. While early relationships can also impact cognitive and social development, the strongest evidence exists for the influence on self-concept. Intelligence is generally understood to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with early experiences playing a role in brain development but not necessarily predicting future intelligence. Social referencing, or the tendency to look to others for cues on how to respond to new situations, can also be shaped by early relationships, but again, the evidence is less clear than for self-concept.

Infants' Early Relationships with Caregivers Are Believed to Lay the Groundwork