In infant ego organization levels, by about 8 months the infant achieves the second level, evidenced by increased anxiety when a stranger is present. Which option best describes this milestone?

In infant ego organization levels, by about 8 months the infant achieves the second level, evidenced by increased anxiety when a stranger is present. Which option best describes this milestone?

• A. Second level with stranger anxiety
• B. First level only
• C. Third level with advanced reasoning
• D. Fourth level with imitation

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that infant ego development progresses to include more aware and organized relationships with others. Around eight months, infants begin to show stranger anxiety, which indicates they’re differentiating between familiar and unfamiliar people and are starting to rely on the caregiver as a secure base. This reflects a higher level of ego organization than earlier, more primitive states, marking the second level. In practical terms, the infant is not just reacting reflexively; they’re showing an emerging sense of self in relation to others and a developing capacity to experience anxiety when a trusted figure is not present. That makes “second level with stranger anxiety” the best description of this milestone. Earlier levels wouldn’t yet show stranger anxiety, and higher levels would imply more advanced cognitive or behavioral milestones not typical at eight months.

The key idea is that infant ego development progresses to include more aware and organized relationships with others. Around eight months, infants begin to show stranger anxiety, which indicates they’re differentiating between familiar and unfamiliar people and are starting to rely on the caregiver as a secure base. This reflects a higher level of ego organization than earlier, more primitive states, marking the second level. In practical terms, the infant is not just reacting reflexively; they’re showing an emerging sense of self in relation to others and a developing capacity to experience anxiety when a trusted figure is not present. That makes “second level with stranger anxiety” the best description of this milestone. Earlier levels wouldn’t yet show stranger anxiety, and higher levels would imply more advanced cognitive or behavioral milestones not typical at eight months.