Attachment theory

Attachment theory is a psychological, evolutionary and ethological theory concerning relationships between humans. The most important tenet of attachment theory is that a young child needs to develop a relationship with at least one primary caregiver for social and emotional development to occur normally. Attachment theory explains how the parent-child relationship emerges and influences subsequent development.

History

Attachment theory originated with the work of John Bowlby, a British psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who in the mid-20th century brought attention to the importance of the child-caregiver relationship for the child's emotional and social development.

Types of Attachment

There are four main types of attachment identified in children: secure attachment, anxious-resistant insecure attachment, anxious-avoidant insecure attachment, and disorganized attachment.

Secure Attachment

Children with a secure attachment see their parent as a secure base from which they can venture out and independently explore the world.

Anxious-Resistant Insecure Attachment

Children with an anxious-resistant insecure attachment tend to be anxious and are not explorative.

Anxious-Avoidant Insecure Attachment

Children with an anxious-avoidant insecure attachment tend to avoid parents or caregivers.

Disorganized Attachment

Children with a disorganized attachment often display a confusing mix of behavior and may seem disoriented, dazed, or confused.

Attachment in Adults

Adult attachment models include secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant.

Criticisms

Attachment theory has been criticized for focusing too much on the mother-child bond and not enough on the relationships children form with other caregivers or peers.

See Also

• John Bowlby
• Mary Ainsworth
• Developmental psychology
• Psychoanalysis

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