Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What is the first stage described by Bowlby in children who have been separated too long?

1. Despair

2. Protest

3. Detachment

4. Acceptance

The correct answer is: Protest

The first stage described by Bowlby in children who have experienced prolonged separation is protest. During this initial stage, children typically exhibit behaviors that reflect their distress and desire for the caregiver. They may cry, scream, and exhibit agitation or clinginess in an effort to regain contact with the individual from whom they are separated. This reaction is a natural manifestation of attachment and signifies the child's profound emotional bond to their caregiver. In this context, protest serves as a clear signal of the child's need for attachment and connection. The intensity of this phase underscores the child’s inability to understand the reasons for the separation and their strong emotional response to it. The subsequent stages, such as despair and detachment, represent further developments in the child’s reaction to separation, but they occur after the initial expression of protest. Understanding this sequence is essential for recognizing how children cope with loss and separation, informing practices in counseling and caregiving.