Which scenario is least likely to be associated with attachment disorder?

• A. A newborn abandoned and immediately adopted by nurturing grandparents
• B. An infant who experiences frequent caregiver changes
• C. A toddler who moves between several foster homes
• D. A child who experiences prolonged separation from primary caregiver

Answer: (A)

Early caregiving experiences shape attachment. Secure attachment forms when a caregiver is consistently responsive and nurturing. In this scenario, a newborn is abandoned but immediately adopted by nurturing grandparents, providing stable, affectionate, and responsive care with no prolonged separation or caregiver turnover. That stability makes attachment disorders unlikely, since the child has a reliable relationship with a caregiver who meets their needs.

In contrast, scenarios with frequent caregiver changes, moving between foster homes, or long separations disrupt the child’s sense of safety and trust, increasing the risk for attachment problems such as Reactive Attachment Disorder or Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder.