Which term refers to an emotional bond shown by distress upon separation from a caregiver?

The term that refers to an emotional bond characterized by distress upon separation from a caregiver is attachment. Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, suggests that the emotional bond formed between an infant and their primary caregiver is crucial for the child's social and emotional development. When a secure attachment is formed, children feel safe and are likely to show signs of distress when separated from their caregiver, indicating the significance of that bond.

In contrast, temperament relates to the individual differences in emotional reactivity and self-regulation that children are born with, influencing how they respond to their environment but not necessarily focusing on the bond with a caregiver. Personality is a broader term that encompasses the enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make up an individual’s character over time, while goodness of fit refers to the harmony between a child's temperament and their environment, particularly how well a caregiver’s style matches the child’s needs.