Why Is It That Malnourished Children Are Often Quiet and Express

Multiple Choice

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