The Basics Of Attachment Theory & Styles
In the vast and complex world of psychology, there are numerous theories and models that seek to explain human behavior, emotions, and relationships. Among these, Attachment Theory stands out for its profound impact on our understanding of human relationships. This theory, which has its roots in observations of the bond between infants and their caregivers, has revolutionized our understanding of how early experiences with caregivers can shape our behavior, emotions, and relationships throughout our lives. It provides a framework for understanding the emotional bonds we form in childhood and how these bonds influence us as adults. Whether you’re a professional in the field of psychology, someone seeking therapy, or simply interested in understanding more about human behavior, Attachment Theory offers valuable insights to social interconnectedness. In this blog post, we will delve into the basics of Attachment Theory and explore the different attachment styles that can shape our lives and relationships.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND ATTACHMENT THEORY
Attachment Theory, originally proposed by British psychologist John Bowlby, theorizes that humans are born with an innate need to establish emotional bonds with their caregivers, primarily their mother figure. These early bonds, forged in childhood, hold the power to shape an individual's emotional well-being and the quality of their relationships throughout their lives. At its core, Attachment Theory highlights the significance our emotional connections can have in shaping our existence in society.
The scientific groundwork of Attachment Theory emerged from the close observations of interactions between infants and their caregivers, over an extended period of time. When infants find themselves frightened or distressed, they instinctively seek proximity and comfort from their caregivers. This behavior goes beyond immediate survival of the infant; it also encourages the cultivation of secure attachments and, subsequently, the life-long advantages that come with this attachment style.
STAGES OF ATTACHMENT
According to a study, conducted by Rudolph Schaffer and Peggy Emerson (1964), attachment doesn't happen all at once; it unfolds in stages, each marked by distinct characteristics:
Asocial Phase (0 – 6 weeks): In the first few weeks of life, babies are asocial. They react positively to various stimuli, whether they're people or objects, often by smiling. During this stage, babies don't favor one caregiver over others. They respond to humans and objects similarly, with widespread reactions such as crying, smiling, and looking at faces or objects. This doesn't mean they're disinterested in social interactions, but they haven't developed a strong preference for a specific person or a deep understanding of social behavior. This sequence is crucial for building strong social bonds later.
Indiscriminate Attachments (6 weeks to 7 months): Between 6 weeks and 7 months, infants become more social. They start to prefer human interaction over inanimate objects - smiling, babbling, and reaching out to people more than items. Babies at this stage enjoy being around people but don't show a strong preference for a single caregiver. They respond to most caregivers equally, and they become upset when someone stops interacting with them. While they're sociable, they don't yet differentiate much between familiar and unfamiliar adults. By 3 months, they may smile more at familiar faces and find comfort with a regular caregiver.
Specific Attachment (7 – 9 months): Around 7 to 9 months, babies develop a special attachment to one primary caregiver. They look to this person for security, comfort, and protection, showing fear of strangers (stranger fear) and unhappiness when separated from their special caregiver. While the intensity of stranger fear and separation anxiety varies among babies, these emotions are evidence of attachment formation, usually solidified by one year of age.
Researchers found that sensitive responsiveness, where caregivers accurately respond to the baby's signals, plays a pivotal role in forming attachments. Babies intensely attached to their caregivers have parental figures who promptly respond to their needs and interact with them, while those with weaker attachments have parental figures who don't interact as much. It's not just about who feeds and changes the child but who plays and communicates with them that's crucial in attachment formation.Multiple Attachment (10 months and onwards): As babies grow, they become more independent and begin forming multiple attachments. By 18 months, most infants have formed several attachments. Again, it's sensitive responsiveness that plays a key role in forming these attachments, rather than the amount of time spent with a person. Infants with strong attachments have caregivers who promptly respond to their cues and engage with them, while those with weaker attachments have caregivers who are less interactive.
ATTACHMENT STYLES
According to attachment theory, the way we bond with our primary caregiver as infants can have a lasting impact on our adult relationships. There are four main attachment styles identified in attachment theory: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized.
Secure attachment is characterized by a positive view of oneself and others. Individuals with secure attachment styles feel comfortable with intimacy and are able to seek support from others when needed.
Anxious attachment is characterized by a negative view of oneself and a positive view of others. Individuals with anxious attachment styles often feel insecure in their relationships and may worry about being abandoned or rejected.
Avoidant attachment is characterized by a positive view of oneself and a negative view of others. Individuals with avoidant attachment styles tend to avoid intimacy and may have difficulty trusting others.
Disorganized attachment is characterized by an inconsistent view of oneself and others. Individuals with disorganized attachment styles may have experienced trauma or abuse in their early years, leading to difficulty regulating emotions and forming healthy relationships.
It’s important to note that these attachment styles are not set in stone, and individuals may exhibit different attachment styles in different relationships or at different times in their lives. Additionally, it’s possible for individuals to change their attachment style through therapy or other interventions.
RELEVANCE TO THERAPY
Attachment Theory's applicability extends significantly into the realm of therapy, particularly in couples therapy models such as Emotionally-Focused Therapy. Understanding one's attachment style can be an invaluable tool in therapy, shedding light on how these styles impact one's relationships and ability to communicate. A relationship therapist can guide individuals toward comprehending the dynamics of their attachments and working towards forming healthier, more secure
Attachment Theory furnishes us with a profound framework for comprehending the weight of our early relationships in shaping our behavior, emotional health, and the quality of our relationships. Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, or looking to strengthen your connections, delving into your attachment style with a trained and compassionate therapist can offer invaluable insights. Attachment Theory reminds us that, as humans, we are innately wired for connection, and the quality of our bonds deeply influences the course of our lives. As you embark on your journey of self-discovery and relationship growth, remember that the dedicated professionals at Freedom Counseling Group are here to support you. Reach out, and let one of our experienced therapists be your guide on the path to emotional well-being and secure, fulfilling relationships.
If you or a loved one is dealing with attachment issues, PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other trauma-related issues, Freedom Counseling Group can help. Fill out our online form or call to get matched with a licensed therapist and schedule your free phone consultation today. Please note that we can only provide therapy services to those in California or Texas at this time – both in-person and virtual services are available.