What is the term for the emotional bond between an infant and their caregiver?

The term for the emotional bond between an infant and their caregiver is known as attachment. This concept is pivotal in developmental psychology and refers to the emotional and social connections that develop early in life, significantly influencing a child's emotional and social development.

Attachment forms through consistent emotional support, caregiving, and interactions between the infant and their caregiver. Research, particularly the work of psychologists such as John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, highlights how secure attachment contributes to positive outcomes in a child's ability to explore their environment, form future relationships, and manage emotions.

The other terms, while related to emotional connections, do not capture the specific psychological concept emphasized in developmental psychology. Connection and bonding are more general terms describing relationships that may not necessarily reflect the formal study of infant-caregiver interactions. Affection pertains to feelings of fondness or love but does not convey the structured nature and importance of attachment in development.