What is an example of a behavior related to attachment?

Proximity-seeking is a fundamental behavior indicative of attachment, particularly in infants and toddlers. This behavior involves children actively seeking closeness or contact with their primary caregivers or attachment figures when they feel threatened, unfamiliar with their environment, or in need of comfort. Such actions demonstrate the child's reliance on their caregivers for safety and support, which is essential for healthy emotional and social development. When infants engage in proximity-seeking, they are not only expressing their need for security but are also developing their understanding of relationships and trust.

In contrast, while exploration, imitation, and independence are important developmental milestones, they do not directly reflect attachment behavior. Exploration pertains to a child’s curiosity and willingness to engage with the environment, imitation relates to learning through watching others, and independence signifies a child's developing ability to do things on their own. These behaviors can be influenced by attachment but are not direct expressions of it like proximity-seeking is.