PMH-C Infant Bonding 2

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter system is most directly activated during skin-to-skin contact between a mother and newborn?

Accepted Answer

Oxytocinergic system

Answer

Skin-to-skin contact triggers oxytocin release, which promotes maternal bonding behaviors and reduces stress in both mother and infant.

Question 2

A mother with opioid use disorder is receiving medication-assisted treatment. How should her care team approach infant bonding?

Accepted Answer

Encourage bonding immediately while continuing MAT and monitoring neonatal abstinence

Answer

Mothers on MAT should be encouraged to bond with their infants immediately, as bonding supports recovery and infant outcomes, while the team monitors for neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Question 3

Which attachment behavior in a 4-month-old infant most clearly indicates a developing secure bond with the caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Preferentially smiling and vocalizing to the primary caregiver

Answer

Preferential social responses to the primary caregiver around 3–4 months reflect the early formation of a selective attachment bond.

Question 4

A father reports feeling emotionally distant from his newborn two weeks postpartum. Which response is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Normalize that paternal bonding often develops more gradually and explore his experience

Answer

Paternal bonding frequently develops over weeks and normalizing this while exploring barriers is the most supportive clinical response.

Question 5

Which of the following maternal behaviors is MOST associated with promoting secure infant attachment according to Ainsworth's research?

Accepted Answer

Sensitive and consistent responsiveness to infant cues

Answer

Ainsworth identified maternal sensitivity—reading and responding consistently to infant signals—as the primary predictor of secure attachment.

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

PMH-C Infant Bonding 2