Which age range corresponds to the Rapprochement stage in object relations theory?

• A. 1–5 months
• B. 5–9 months
• C. 9–15 months
• D. 15–24 months

Answer: (D)

Rapprochement is the phase in the separation–individuation process when the child, now more mobile and curious, begins to recognize the caregiver as a separate object and alternates between exploring away from the caregiver and seeking closeness to ease anxiety. This ambivalence—wanting independence but needing reassurance—typically emerges around 15 to 24 months. The caregiver’s sensitive, consistent responses help the child tolerate brief separations and form a secure, integrated sense of the caregiver as a stable object. Earlier subphases describe stages before this ambivalence fully appears: the infant is largely in a symbiotic or early differentiation state in the first months, and exploration with growing autonomy (practicing) occurs prior to this rapprochement window.