What behavior is Joey, a six-month-old, demonstrating when he reaches toward his mother?

The behavior Joey is demonstrating when he reaches toward his mother is best characterized as contact-seeking. At six months old, infants are beginning to develop attachment behaviors and show a preference for their primary caregivers. This reaching indicates that he is seeking physical closeness, reassurance, or comfort from his mother, which is a critical part of healthy emotional development.

Contact-seeking behavior is rooted in the innate need for safety and security, allowing the infant to build a bond with the caregiver. This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as reaching out, crying, or vocalizing, and is a significant step in the formation of attachment.

In contrast, the other options reflect different behaviors or social-emotional stages. Interaction-avoiding represents a withdrawal from social engagement, separation anxiety is typically exhibited when an infant is distressed when a caregiver leaves, and exploratory behavior would involve the infant showing curiosity about their surroundings and moving away from the caregiver to explore. Joey's reaching out signals a desire for connection and reassurance rather than avoidance or exploration.