In Mahler's Separation-Individuation, what occurs during Differentiation (6-9 months)?

In Mahler's Separation-Individuation, what occurs during Differentiation (6-9 months)?

• A. Increased locomotion
• B. Symbiotic unity with mother
• C. Labeling of objects
• D. Social smiling increases

Answer: (A)

During Differentiation, the infant starts to realize they are separate from the mother. A defining sign is increased locomotion—the baby begins to move more, crawling or cruising around, exploring the environment while still using the mother as a secure base. This movement outward marks the shift from seeing mother and self as a unified unit to recognizing independence, yet the mother remains a comforting anchor. The other options reflect earlier or different aspects of development. Symbiotic unity with the mother describes the previous phase where the infant experiences mother and self as one. Labeling of objects and social smiling are not the hallmark of this particular stage; labeling relates more to later cognitive/language development, and social smiling occurs much earlier as part of early social bonding.

During Differentiation, the infant starts to realize they are separate from the mother. A defining sign is increased locomotion—the baby begins to move more, crawling or cruising around, exploring the environment while still using the mother as a secure base. This movement outward marks the shift from seeing mother and self as a unified unit to recognizing independence, yet the mother remains a comforting anchor.

The other options reflect earlier or different aspects of development. Symbiotic unity with the mother describes the previous phase where the infant experiences mother and self as one. Labeling of objects and social smiling are not the hallmark of this particular stage; labeling relates more to later cognitive/language development, and social smiling occurs much earlier as part of early social bonding.