The parents of a 5-year-old boy are concerned about how a recent motorcycle accident to his father will affect the child. Although the father has fully recovered, the child is very concerned if the father is away longer than expected; the child is not as talkative but appears withdrawn and quiet. The nurse should point out the child’s behavior is likely related to which factor?

The child is imitating the adults’ behavior and just trying to be nice to everyone.

The child is afraid of losing his father and trying to show how much he loves him.

The boy is afraid of being hurt himself and thinks being especially good will protect him from accidents.

The boy believes he caused the accident by telling his father he “hoped he crashed” when the boy couldn’t go along.