What is an indicator of child abuse when observing a child's physical and emotional state?

Fearfulness around caregivers is a significant indicator of child abuse, as it suggests that a child may have experienced negative interactions or trauma in their home environment. Children should generally feel safe and secure around their caregivers, and any excessive fear can indicate an underlying issue, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

When a child exhibits fear, it often manifests in behaviors like avoiding eye contact, flinching at sudden movements, or being overly compliant in a way that suggests anxiety about potential repercussions. This fear may stem from unpredictable or harmful behavior exhibited by a caregiver, leading the child to believe that they are in danger or that they need to be on high alert.

The other choices indicate normal behaviors for children or positive interactions, which do not signal abuse. Excessive emotional attachment to toys, normal physical activity, and positive feedback from parents generally point toward a healthy environment and upbringing, contrasting sharply with the implications that arise from fearfulness.