A caregiver squats down next to a standing child, offering a reassuring presence as the toddler explores their surroundings. This physical proximity and willingness to interact demonstrate how a parent serves as a secure base, which gives the child the confidence and safety required to securely explore their environment.

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According to John Bowlby, a secure base is a key component of a healthy attachment. It is defined as the caregiver's presence, which provides the child with a sense of safety, allowing them to confidently explore their surroundings. An infant using a caregiver as a secure base will often return to or check in with them while exploring.

Secure Base in Attachment Theory

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

A 15-month-old child is in an unfamiliar playroom with their primary caregiver. Which of the following behaviors best illustrates the child using the caregiver as a 'secure base'?

Example of a Parent Providing a Secure Base for a Toddler

The child uses the parent as a base from which to explore her world in which attachment style?

- [x] secure
- [ ] avoidant
- [ ] resistant
- [ ] disorganized

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