Which of the following concepts best describes the emotional signals exchanged in a caregiver-child interaction?

The concept of interactional synchrony best describes the emotional signals exchanged in a caregiver-child interaction because it refers to the way that both parties respond to one another's emotional cues in a harmonious and synchronized manner. In early development, infants rely heavily on the emotional responses of their caregivers to regulate their own feelings. When caregivers respond appropriately to an infant's smiles, cries, or gestures, this creates a shared emotional experience that fosters attachment and supports the child's social and emotional development.

This synchronization not only establishes a strong bond between caregiver and child but also promotes the child's ability to communicate and express emotions. Interactional synchrony is critical for developmental milestones, as it enhances learning and communication skills by modeling emotional responses and teaching infants about social interactions in a safe environment. Therefore, this concept is essential when discussing the dynamics of emotional exchanges in early childhood caregiving.