Which of the following is an example of providing emotional support?

Providing comfort and demonstrating care is a clear example of offering emotional support because it involves recognizing and validating someone's feelings, enabling them to feel understood and supported. Emotional support is characterized by showing empathy, caring, and compassion, which are essential in fostering an environment where individuals can share their feelings openly. This type of support helps individuals cope with stress, anxiety, or any emotional challenges they may be facing, enhancing their overall well-being.

Other options do not exemplify emotional support; for instance, offering constructive criticism is more about feedback and improvement rather than emotional comfort. Avoiding discussions about feelings negates the opportunity for emotional expression, which is contrary to providing support. Encouraging independence, while beneficial in some contexts, does not inherently offer the emotional comfort and care that defines emotional support.