What does separation anxiety indicate in infants?

Separation anxiety in infants is primarily an indication of emotional distress that occurs when a child is separated from their primary caregiver or attachment figure. This distress highlights the infant's strong emotional bond with their caregiver, signaling an attachment relationship that has been formed.

As infants develop, they become more aware of their surroundings and start to recognize the absence of familiar people. This awareness is a normal part of healthy emotional and social development. The distress they experience is not a sign of poor social development but rather a reflection of their developing attachment system—essentially demonstrating that they have formed secure attachments, which are crucial for their emotional well-being.

This phenomenon typically emerges around 6 to 12 months of age, which is a key period for attachment development. Hence, when an infant exhibits separation anxiety, it indicates their capability to form emotional bonds and reflect their need for security and comfort from their caregiver.