In Mahler's theory, the infant's absolute dependence on a female caregiver during the early stage is described as the symbiotic phase. Which caregiver is this most closely associated with?

In Mahler's theory, the infant's absolute dependence on a female caregiver during the early stage is described as the symbiotic phase. Which caregiver is this most closely associated with?

• A. Father
• B. Sibling
• C. Grandparent
• D. Mother

Answer: (D)

In Mahler's theory, the symbiotic phase is a time when the infant experiences absolute dependence on a single caregiver who provides nourishment and safety. This caregiver is almost always the mother, the primary source of feeding and comfort in early life. During this stage, the infant doesn’t distinguish self from other and feels a merging with the mother, so the mother is seen as part of the infant’s own being. While other relatives may play roles later, they don’t embody the infant’s initial sense of unity and dependence in this stage.

In Mahler's theory, the symbiotic phase is a time when the infant experiences absolute dependence on a single caregiver who provides nourishment and safety. This caregiver is almost always the mother, the primary source of feeding and comfort in early life. During this stage, the infant doesn’t distinguish self from other and feels a merging with the mother, so the mother is seen as part of the infant’s own being. While other relatives may play roles later, they don’t embody the infant’s initial sense of unity and dependence in this stage.