Social withdrawal behavior in infants is a meaningful indicator of their distress, and is a risk factor for later developmental problems.
This study presents the results of the first step in validating the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB) in Morocco, applied to two different samples in terms of their experience with early separation: one group comprised infants raised in children’s homes (n = 46), while the other comprised infants raised by their own families (n = 56). These 102 infants were assessed using the ADBB, during a routine pediatric examination, while aged 2 to 18 months. Social withdrawal behavior was significantly higher in infants raised in children’s homes than in those raised by their families, with overall scores significantly higher for boys than for girls.
This controlled study confirms Spitz’s clinical description, with social withdrawal behavior a key characteristic of anaclitic depression. In line with Spitz’s findings, it shows that infants’ social withdrawal behavior is clearly linked to early and extended separation from their caregivers.
The ADBB can therefore be recommended for use as a systematic screening tool in routine pediatric consultations, as well as for follow up of high-risk infants, in order enable appropriate early intervention to take place.