Final answer:
Securely attached babies are those who form a healthy emotional bond with their caregivers, feeling safe and comforted. They are distressed by separation but quickly comforted upon reunion, reflecting the caregiver's responsiveness to their needs. This concept is rooted in attachment theory and Ainsworth's research on attachment styles.
Step-by-step explanation:
In psychology, securely attached babies are infants who display a healthy bond with their caregiver, characterized by a feeling of safety and comfort that allows them to explore their environment. This attachment is formed when the caregiver is responsive to the physical, social, and emotional needs of the child, leading to mutually enjoyable interactions. These securely attached children are distressed during a caregiver's absence, as seen in Ainsworth's Strange Situation experiment, but are quickly comforted upon the caregiver's return, exhibiting happiness and relief.
Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby, describes this emotional bond that significantly affects the child's social and emotional development. Ainsworth's research on attachment styles further emphasizes the importance of the caregiver's sensitivity in forming a secure attachment and the diverse ways in which children bond with their parents.