What term describes the positive effects experienced by infants when in close proximity to soft materials?

The term that describes the positive effects experienced by infants when in close proximity to soft materials is known as contact comfort. This concept highlights the importance of tactile sensations in promoting a sense of security and well-being in infants. Research has shown that when babies are held or snuggled with soft materials, such as a parent’s body or soft blankets, it provides not only warmth but also a feeling of safety and comfort, which is crucial for their emotional and physical development.

Contact comfort plays a significant role in an infant's attachment to caregivers. It fosters bonding and can have lasting positive effects on their psychological health. This phenomenon was famously illustrated in studies involving infant monkeys, which preferred to stay close to a soft, terry cloth surrogate mother rather than a wire one that provided food but lacked this comforting texture.

The other terms do not fully encapsulate this specific experience. While touch therapy refers to therapeutic practices using physical touch for healing, it is broader and not limited to infant care. Emotional support focuses on psychological aspects of care and connection but does not specifically address the tactile experience. Physical attachment pertains to the bonds formed between infants and caregivers but doesn’t specifically emphasize the role of soft materials in achieving comfort. Thus, contact comfort is the most accurate term for describing