Which term refers to the reciprocal emotional interaction between a caregiver and infant?

The term that refers to the reciprocal emotional interaction between a caregiver and an infant is synchrony. Synchrony describes the harmonious and timed exchanges of emotional signals between a caregiver and an infant, where both parties respond to each other's cues. When a caregiver smiles and the infant responds with a smile or cooing, or when the caregiver soothes the infant's cries, this reciprocal interaction promotes emotional bonding and social development.

This process is essential for the establishment of secure attachment, as it facilitates the infant's understanding of emotional communication and builds trust between the caregiver and the child. It's during these synchronized moments that infants learn to engage with their world and form the groundwork for future relationships.