Final answer:
The statement is true as securely attached children do seek physical contact, can be soothed, and return to play after being reunited with their caregivers. This behavior is indicative of their use of the caregiver as a secure base, which is a sign of healthy emotional development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true. In the context of attachment theory, developed by psychologists such as John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, securely attached children exhibit specific behaviors after being separated from their caregivers. When reunited, these children seek physical contact with their caregivers, can be readily soothed, and after feeling comforted, they return to exploring and playing, demonstrating that they see their caregiver as a secure base from which to explore the world. This behavior contrasts with other types of attachment, such as avoidant, resistant, and disorganized, where the children's reactions to separation and reunion are markedly different and often indicative of less sensitive or consistent caregiver responsiveness.
Securely attached children are distinguished in Ainsworth's Strange Situation experiment by their ability to be comforted and return to exploration, a sign of healthy emotional development and caregiver sensitivity. This attachment style is foundational for the child's ability to form healthy relationships and adjust to new situations, including parental separation or divorce, as it provides them with the skills to regulate emotions and interact with others in a positive way.