When a mother brings her 9-month-old to day care,the child smiles and reaches for the day-care caregiver.The nurse should recognize that,according to Mahler's developmental theory,this child's development is at which phase?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The behavior described indicates the child is in the Differentiation subphase of the separation-individuation phase, according to Mahler's theory. This phase typically occurs between 5 to 10 months of age, where infants begin to differentiate themselves from their primary caregiver, showing signs of independence while still needing reassurance.

When a Mother Brings Her 9-Month-Old to Day Care,the Child