A common illustration of the grasping reflex is when an infant's hand, which is small enough to wrap around just one of an adult's fingers, instinctively closes and grips that finger when it is placed in their palm.

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The grasping reflex is an automatic response in newborns where they instinctively grasp any object that touches or stimulates their palms.

Grasping Reflex

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Example of the Grasping Reflex

A nurse is assessing a newborn infant. When the nurse gently presses a finger into the infant's palm, the infant's hand immediately closes in a tight grip around the finger. Which concept does this action best illustrate?

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