Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What does the term "secure base" refer to according to John Bowlby?

1. Physical changes that allow the child to balance while walking on two legs

2. People whose presence provides the security necessary for exploration

3. Psychological changes that allow the child to think about absent objects

4. Social changes that make it easier for a child to show secondary emotions

The correct answer is: People whose presence provides the security necessary for exploration

The term "secure base," as defined by John Bowlby, refers to the concept that certain individuals, typically caregivers, provide a sense of safety and security for a child, which enables the child to explore their environment. Bowlby's attachment theory emphasizes the importance of these secure relationships in early development, as they allow children to feel safe enough to venture outwards and learn about the world around them. When a child has a secure base, they are more likely to engage in explorative behaviors and social interactions, because they know that they have a supportive figure to return to for comfort and reassurance. This relationship lays the foundation for healthy emotional and social development, influencing how children form relationships later in life. The other options do not accurately reflect Bowlby’s concept of secure base. The first option relates to physical development rather than emotional security. The third option speaks to cognitive processes without addressing the relational aspect crucial to attachment theory. The fourth option focuses on social changes but does not encapsulate the essence of security that underpins the idea of a secure base.