Which scenario is least likely to result in attachment disorder?

• A. A newborn abandoned by mother but immediately adopted and raised by healthy, nurturing grandparents
• B. A newborn left with unstable care for long periods
• C. A toddler shuffled among several foster homes
• D. An infant who experiences prolonged separation from caregiver during hospitalization

Answer: (A)

Attachment develops most reliably when a caregiver is consistently available and responsive from early in life. In the scenario where a newborn is abandoned by the mother but immediately adopted and raised by healthy, nurturing grandparents, the infant receives stable, sensitive caregiving from birth. That early, continuous caregiving supports secure attachment and lowers the risk of attachment disorders.

The other scenarios involve disruption of that stable caregiving: long periods with unstable care, multiple moves among foster homes, or prolonged separation from the caregiver during hospitalization. Each of these situations can disrupt the formation of a secure, trusting relationship, increasing the likelihood of attachment difficulties.