A secure base for exploring
Understand the relationship between access to a responsive caregiver and exploration.
The picture in words
- Availability
- A caregiver can provide accessible support.
- Exploration
- The child engages with the surroundings.
- Return
- Support can be sought when comfort is needed.
Reading the illustration
Follow the path outward to exploration and back toward available comfort. The home-base symbol represents access to responsive support.
Try a question
What does the secure-base idea help explain about exploration?
Show the explanation
Access to a responsive caregiver can support exploration and provide a place to seek comfort. The idea concerns a relationship across experiences.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/9-3-stages-of-developmentSelected rendered passages: Ainsworth/Strange Situation/secure base passages.