Why is it that malnourished children are often quiet and express little interest in what goes on around them?
A) They have tremendous anxiety about eating more than "their share" when food is in limited supply
B) These qualities are adaptive, as they conserve the child's limited energy
C) They have usually been shamed and mocked for their emaciated physique, which leads to social difficulties
D) They are used to being unsuccessful in their attempts to engage their environment, and so they have become very docile

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Malnourished children are often quiet and have little interest in their surroundings because it conserves their limited energy. With limited nutrition, their bodies prioritize basic survival functions, such as breathing and circulation, over active exploration and social interaction. By being quiet and still, they conserve energy that would be expended in play or socializing. This is an adaptive response, as it allows them to conserve resources until they are available again.

Why Is It That Malnourished Children Are Often Quiet and Express