American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

In Mahler's theory of child development, the stage where a child begins to differentiate from the mother is referred to as the differentiation stage. This occurs approximately between 5 to 10 months of age and is a crucial phase in the child’s emotional development. During this period, infants start to become aware of their separate identity from their mother, as they explore their environment and begin to recognize that they are distinct beings. The differentiation stage is characterized by increased mobility and curiosity. As children gain control over their movements, they start to explore beyond the immediate proximity of their caregiver, which is essential for developing autonomy. This exploration helps solidify their individual identity and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of relationships with others outside the immediate maternal bond. In contrast, the other stages mentioned serve different developmental functions. Normal autism represents an early stage when infants are primarily focused on their internal states and are not yet interacting deeply with the outside world. Object constancy comes later in development, typically around 24 to 36 months, when children begin to maintain emotional attachments even when the caregiver is not present. The practicing stage follows differentiation and is when children practice their newfound skills and independence while still remaining emotionally connected to the mother.