Social Work Exam Human Behavior Practice Test 2025 – Complete Prep

The concept of bonding is often described as a developmental process that occurs through consistent interactions fulfilling an individual’s emotional, physical, or psychological needs. Bonding typically refers to the formation of a strong emotional connection between individuals, such as the relationship between a caregiver and child. This connection is built through repeated positive interactions which fulfill the needs of the child for safety, security, and love.

Bonding is essential during early development as it helps establish trust and a sense of security, allowing the child to explore the world confidently. The quality of these interactions can significantly influence an individual’s emotional development, sense of self-worth, and ability to form relationships later in life.

While attachment is closely related to bonding and also pertains to the relationships formed through care and responsiveness, it typically encompasses a broader range of emotional ties, reflecting the ongoing relationships throughout life beyond early childhood. Dependency refers more to an individual’s reliance on another for emotional or physical support, rather than focusing specifically on the process of forming a bond through interaction. Individuation relates to the process of developing a distinct identity and becoming self-sufficient, which can occur as a result of, but is not the same as, the initial bonding process.

Thus, when focusing on a developmental process characterized by