Attachment theory is a psychological theory that describes the dynamics of long-term relationships between humans. It suggests that the early experience of relating between children and their carers in the first years of life establish patterns which influence expectations about how people will react to us throughout life.
Attachment theory was first proposed by British psychologist John Bowlby in the 1950s, and has been developed and extended by research from the 1970s to the present. The theory demonstrates that a strong emotional and physical attachment to at least one primary caregiver is critical to an individual's social and emotional development. Children who have a secure attachment with a primary caregiver will develop trust, self-confidence, and a positive self-image. In contrast, children who have an insecure attachment with their primary caregiver may develop feelings of insecurity, fear, and negative self-image. The quality of attachment between a child and a primary caregiver is established during the first few years of life, and it can be influenced by the caregiver's sensitivity, responsiveness and emotional availability.
Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding how relationships form, how they are maintained, and how they can be strengthened. It can offer a helpful explanatory framework to understand the development of emotional and behavioural problems in children and adults, leading to greater awareness and interventions to address these issues.
Attachment theory describes four main styles of attachment that can develop between a child and their primary caregiver:
- Secure attachment: Children with a secure attachment feel safe and secure with their primary caregiver. They are comfortable exploring their environment because they know their caregiver is available to provide support and comfort when needed. These children tend to have better emotional regulation and are better able to cope with stress.
- Anxious-ambivalent attachment: Children with an anxious-ambivalent attachment have a hard time feeling secure because their primary caregiver is not consistently available to meet their needs. They may become overly clingy or upset when their caregiver leaves, and have difficulty calming down when they return. These children tend to have more difficulty regulating their emotions and are particularly sensitive to fears of not being loved or being abandoned.
- Anxious-avoidant attachment: Children with an anxious-avoidant attachment have learned to cope with a lack of emotional support from their primary caregiver by shutting down their feelings of attachment. They may appear emotionally distant and may not seek comfort from their caregiver when upset. They may have difficulty developing trust and forming close relationships.
- Disorganized attachment: Children with disorganized attachment have a hard time developing a consistent strategy for dealing with their primary caregiver's availability because their caregiver may at times be both available and unresponsive, or may even be a source of fear. These children may show conflicting behaviors, such as approaching the caregiver for comfort but also showing fear or avoidance.
It's important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive and a child might show different behaviors in different situations or with different caregivers. Additionally, attachment patterns can change over time, and with the help of a supportive and responsive caregiver, a child with an insecure attachment can develop a more secure one.