Attachment Theory

Conversations surrounding attachment theory are becoming more and more popular - but what exactly does it mean? Well, attachment theory primarily focuses on relationships and bonds between people, which includes past, present, and future relationship patterns. Many of the current conversations taking place consider attachment in respect to distinct attachment styles, derived from the inherent attachment one may place on a loved one (parent-child or romantic relationship). There’s an emphasis on parent-child relationships at a young age as these tend to influence the subsequent style a child adopts and ultimately impacts the lifespan of that individual. 

Attachment Styles

Psychologist Mary Ainsworth expanded on John Bowlby’s work by conducting an experiment called the “strange situation”. In short, this study consisted of observing children between the ages of 12 and 18 months as their mothers briefly left the room. Ainsworth discovered three attachment styles based on the findings: secure attachment, ambivalent-insecure attachment, and avoidant-insecure attachment. A fourth style was later added by Mary Main and Judith Solomon, which was: disorganized-insecure attachment. 

Secure Attachment

This attachment style illustrates that children can depend on their caregivers and show distress when separated but joy when reunited. These children will find comfort in seeking their caregiver and be provided reassurance. In adults, this may look like honesty in relationships, tolerance, and emotional closeness. This attachment style is the most common. 

Ambivalent-Insecure

Children who fall under this style may become very distressed when a parent leaves. This style depicts that children don’t feel as though they can depend on their primary caregiver to comfort or reassure them when needed. In adults, this may look like approval-seeking behaviors, dependency, and high levels of anxiety when alone. This style is also known as anxious or preoccupied attachment. 

Avoidant-Insecure

These children tend to avoid parents and caregivers. This style could be due to familial abuse or neglect, and can be a direct result of a child receiving discipline when seeking support from their caregiver. In adults, this may look like independence, self-sufficiency, and high self-esteem.

Disorganized-Insecure 

Children may resist or avoid the parent and exhibit confused or disoriented behavior. This style is the result of a confusing parenting approach and inconsistent caregiver behavior. Parents could be a source of comfort yet disorganized performance. In adults, this may look like instability in relationships, hesitancy in intimacy, and trust issues. 

References

Buescher, L. (2022). Attachment styles and their role in adult relationships. Attachment Project. https://www.attachmentproject.com/blog/four-attachment-styles/  

Cherry, K. (2022). How attachment theory works. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337