What characterizes the specific stage of attachment in Schaffer and Emerson's theory?

In Schaffer and Emerson's theory of attachment, the specific stage is characterized by the onset of separation anxiety, which indicates that a baby has developed a strong emotional bond with a primary caregiver. At this stage, the child begins to show distress when separated from their key attachment figure, demonstrating that they have formed an attachment that is both significant and meaningful. The development of separation anxiety highlights the importance of this caregiver in the child's life and reflects the deepening of the emotional bond. This stage usually appears around 7 to 9 months of age and is a critical aspect of child development, as it signifies not only attachment but also a growing awareness of the caregiver's presence and absence.

The other options do not accurately capture the defining features of this stage. For instance, while it is true that babies may display a preference for one main caregiver, the idea that they seek out multiple caregivers reflects an earlier stage of attachment development. Indifference to caregivers suggests a lack of attachment, which is contrary to what occurs in this specific stage. Lastly, while fear of strangers can develop around the same time, it is a separate phenomenon that is more related to the broader context of attachment security rather than specifically characterizing this stage of attachment according to Schaffer and Emerson.