Illinois Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) Practice Test

During which stage do babies see their mothers or primary caregivers as part of themselves?

1. Attachment

2. Seperation-individuation

3. Symbiotic Stage

4. Family Systems Theory

The correct answer is: Symbiotic Stage

During the symbiotic stage, babies see their mothers or primary caregivers as part of themselves. This stage occurs during the first few months of life and is characterized by a close, dependent relationship between the infant and caregiver. The baby is not yet able to differentiate between themselves and their caregiver, viewing them as an extension of themselves. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the infant's early development and forms the basis for future attachment patterns. Option A, the attachment stage, occurs later in infancy and involves the infant forming a strong emotional bond with their caregiver. Option B, the separation-individuation stage, occurs during toddlerhood and involves the child developing a sense of individuality and autonomy separate from their caregiver. Option D, Family Systems Theory, is a broader approach to understanding family dynamics and interactions, which may include but is not specific to the early stages of infant development.