Attachment Theory

Overview & Description: Proposed by John Bowlby in the 20th century, attachment theory emphasizes the importance of a secure and trusting mother-infant bond on development and well-being. Bowlby believed that there are four distinct phases of attachment: pre-attachment, attachment-in-the-making, clear-cut attachment, and formation of a reciprocal relationship. He theorized that the quality of attachment that a child has with their primary caregiver will influence their future relationships and emotional health.

Ainsworth’s Styles of Attachment: Building on Bowlby’s work, Mary Ainsworth identified three main styles of attachment through the “Strange Situation” study:

1. Secure Attachment: These children feel confident that the caregiver will be available to meet their needs. They use the caregiver as a safe base to explore the environment and seek the caregiver in times of distress.
2. Avoidant Attachment: These children appear not to be very attached to their caregiver. They won’t check back with the caregiver while exploring and might not seek comfort from them.
3. Ambivalent/Resistant Attachment: These children are anxious of exploration and of strangers, even when the caregiver is present. When the caregiver leaves, they are extremely distressed and are ambivalent about being comforted upon their return.

A fourth style, Disorganized Attachment, was later identified, which is characterized by a lack of a clear attachment behavior, and the child might appear disoriented.

Implications:

• Emotional Development: The nature of a child’s attachment affects their self-esteem, sociability, and ability to cope with stress.
• Adult Relationships: Adults with secure attachments more readily trust others and have healthier relationships, while those with avoidant or ambivalent attachments may struggle.
• Therapeutic Context: Understanding a person’s attachment style can be crucial in therapy, allowing the therapist to recognize root causes of issues and tailor their approach accordingly.

References

Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. New York: Basic Books.

Ainsworth, M.D.S., & Bell, S.M. (1970). Attachment, exploration, and separation: Illustrated by the behavior of one-year-olds in a strange situation. Child Development, 41(1), 49-67.

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