How Attachment Theory Works

Introduction

• Attachment theory explains why some people can form secure relationships while others struggle.
• It focuses on emotional bonds between people, particularly between a parent and child, and romantic partners.
• According to the theory, people are born with a need to form bonds with caregivers which influence relationships throughout life.

History of Attachment Theory

• John Bowlby: The first attachment theorist, described attachment as a "lasting psychological connectedness between humans."
• Early theories (e.g., Freud) suggested attachment was linked to pleasure and feeding.
• Bowlby found attachment involves behavioral and motivation patterns beyond just feeding.
• Attachment keeps infants close to caregivers for survival.

Understanding How Attachment Works

• Attachment is an emotional bond; Bowlby emphasized its impact on life.
• Evolutionary processes influence attachment; it's seen as innate rather than learned.
• Secure attachment arises when caregivers are responsive, creating a secure exploration base for children.

Ainsworth's "Strange Situation"

• Mary Ainsworth developed the "strange situation" study in the 1970s.
• Identified three attachment styles: secure, ambivalent-insecure, avoidant-insecure.
• Main and Solomon later added disorganized-insecure as a fourth style.

Maternal Deprivation Studies

• Harry Harlow's experiments in the 1950s-60s showed the importance of comfort over feeding in attachment.
• Rhesus monkeys preferred soft surrogate mothers over wire ones that provided food.

The Stages of Attachment

• Schaffer and Emerson identified four phases:
  • Pre-Attachment (Birth to 3 months): No specific attachment, just general caregiver attraction.
  • Indiscriminate Attachment (6 weeks to 7 months): Preference for primary/secondary caregivers begins.
  • Discriminate Attachment (7 to 11 months): Strong attachment to one person; separation and stranger anxiety.
  • Multiple Attachments (After 9 months): Bonds with several caregivers, e.g., family members.

Factors Influencing Attachment

• Opportunity for attachment: Lack of primary care figures can hinder trust and attachments.
• Quality caregiving: Responsive caregiving fosters dependable attachments.
• Lack of early attachment may lead to developmental disorders.

The Four Main Attachment Styles

• Ambivalent Attachment: Distressed when the parent leaves; results from poor parental availability.
• Avoidant Attachment: Avoids caregivers; often due to neglect or abuse.
• Disorganized Attachment: Confusing behaviors; linked to inconsistent caregiver behavior.
• Secure Attachment: Distress when separated, comfort in caregiver's presence; most common.

The Lasting Impact of Early Attachment

• Secure attachment leads to better self-esteem, independence, and social relationships.
• Insecure attachments can lead to behavioral issues in later life, such as ODD or PTSD.

Attachment Disorders

• Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD): Result of neglect or abuse; issues with emotions and withdrawal.
• Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED): Lack of social boundaries; stems from trauma or neglect.

Adult Attachments

• Early attachment styles impact later adult relationships.
• Secure childhood attachments lead to strong self-esteem and relationships in adulthood.

Takeaways

• Research by Bowlby and Ainsworth forms the foundation of attachment theory.
• Early caregiver relationships are crucial for healthy development and influence adult relationships.
• Understanding one's attachment style can aid in forming secure relationships.