What may result from neglecting to respond to an infant's cries?

Responding to an infant's cries is crucial for their emotional and psychological development. When a caregiver consistently neglects to respond to an infant's distress signals, it can lead to trust issues. The infant learns that their needs are not going to be met, which can foster feelings of insecurity. This lack of response can result in emotional detachment as the infant may begin to withdraw and become less communicative, fearing that their needs will continue to be ignored.

Trust is fundamental in the caregiver-child relationship, especially in the early stages of life. A nurturing and responsive caregiving environment helps the infant to feel safe and secure, which is essential for their overall emotional health. Conversely, when a child's cries are overlooked, they may develop an internal belief that they cannot rely on their caregivers, leading to long-term trust issues. Thus, the correct answer highlights the significant repercussions of neglecting to respond to an infant's cries, illustrating the importance of responsive caregiving in the early years.