Attachment Theory

Attachment theory is based on the studies conducted by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth (asa cited by Bretherton, 1992). This is the combination of Bowlby’s interest in the link between loss and deprivation in the early years of life, and

The attachment theory is a theory by Bowlby that refers to the joint mutual relationship that babies experience and develop with their primary caregiver (Bowlby, 1982). This theory is not supported by research in various sceneries. However, even though the attachment theory began as an initiative, the clinical application to the daily clinical understanding of adult mental health complications has penned red behind the current available research. I believe that the theory can give valuable insight into both the developing nature of recognized psychiatric disorders as well as in the development of the therapeutic relationship in adults. My position provides an overview of (a) the application of attachment theory to diverse psychopathologies

John Bowlby’s work in attachment has been one of the foundational works when determining the level of attachments and bonds that a child and parent may experience (Webb, 2011). According to Bowlby, “attachment” is referring to a lasting, mutual bond of affection that is dependent on an individual or more than one person (Webb, 2011). Establishing a secure attachment during infancy and early childhood is an important task of a parent or a caregiver. Not all parents or caregivers can provide their child or children with a secure attachment at this important in life due to various reasons. Since parents are the main providers in their child’s development of attachment, their lives and history have a great influence on their children’s lives.

This essay will comprise, firstly, of past research looking into what attachment/ attachment theory is, focusing on Bowlby’s (1973) research into why an infant’s first attachment is so important. Followed, by the work of Ainsworth et al (1978) bringing to light the findings from the strange situation, and how the research can explain mental illness. From this and in-depth discussion looking at how the previously discussed pieces of research have an effect on two particular disorders, depression and anxiety; while keeping a holistic approach considering other variables within attachment theory which have been linked with the development of these disorders. Through-out, the implications of knowing about this potential link between attachment and mental health will also be discussed. Finally, a conclusion will be made to whether there is a strong link with attachment and mental illness.

In 1958, the Attachment theory came into existence. It was developed by John Bowlby on the notion that the quality of the parent -child relationship was essential for development and mental health (Howe, 2011, pg, 7). This thinking was in the context of distress shown by children when separated from their parents or when in unfamiliar surroundings. While having credit for the emergence of the attachment theory, Bowlby subsequently carried out a lot of research work with Mary Ainsworth concluding that children view their attachment figures as both a ?safe haven? to return to for comfort and protection and also a ?secure base? from which to explore their environment. The birth of children gives rise to the need to feel loved and wanted by caregivers, (Maclean and Harrison,2015 pg, 103), the absence of which might result in a range of behaviors to either

The theory of attachment was originally developed by child psychiatrist John Bowlby around 1948 (Bretherton, 1992). Attachment theory is when a child attaches/bonds themselves to a parental figure, somebody who cares for the child. Bowlby believed that the impact on a child’s life is greatest when the child and caregiver form an attachment when the child is very young in age (infant). Bowlby stated that if the attachment between the child and caregiver was not secure, that the child could then start to develop delinquent behavior (Schmalleger, 2014). Bowlby stated within his attachment theory that children who were abandoned at an early age, who really had only one parent in their life (other parent could have for instance been in prison), or children that were abused (physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually), were going to

Attachment theory is the concept of the development, of a psychological and emotional bond, that creates a secure or insecure attachment to a caregiver. Attachment bonds are very important, in regards to personal development. Formulated by John Bowlby in the sixties, he discovered that a child’s development depends significantly, on the strong attachment they form with a caregiver. Functions of Bowlby’s attachment

Attachment theory is an emotional bond that connects one person to another. Attachment theory deals with intimacy in relationships and the impact an attachment can have across a person’s lifespan. Attachment theory usually focuses on the relationships between a child and a parent/caregiver or between partners. John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth are responsible for the creation of attachment theory after they began to work on mother-infant interactions. There were three categories that were formed due to their findings; Secure, Insecure, Anxious attachment with 3 sub categories avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized. According to the article on Attachment style and the Cognitive Representation of Communication Situation attachment theory is associated specifically with communicative behavior in relationships. The bond between a child and mother is the primary force of infant development as per Bowlby and Ainsworth.

“a way of conceptualising the propensity of human beings to make strong affectional bonds to particular others and of explaining the many forms of emotional distress and personality disturbance, including anxiety, depression, and emotional detachment, to which unwilling separation and loss give rise” (Bowlby, 1984 p.27).

Pioneered by John Bowlby, the formation of attachment theory, stems from the concept that intimate and comforting relationships between child and caregiver, establishes a sense of security and fosters positive social and emotional development (Ogilvie, Newman, Todd & Peck, 2014). Although attachment theory was primarily focused on understanding the temperament of infants, it has since been illustrated that attachment can define human experience from ‘cradle to grave’ (Chopik, Edelstein & Fraley, 2013).
 Those described as securely attached, (who receive supervision and discipline from a caregiver) develop a healthy perception of the world, displaying high levels of self control; beneficial in steering themselves away from delinquent

Attachment theory, first hypothesized by Bowlby over five decades ago, has seen resurgence in recent years (De Rick, Vanheule; Verhaeghe, 2009). Significant aspects of attachment theory have reinforced the idea that the relationship

The concept of attachment was first introduced by John Bowlby (1969), who emphasizes the importance of mother-child relationship when he was studying children who had been separated from their mothers. Attachment is the close, enduring emotional bond to parents or other caregivers, and it is necessary for normal social and emotional development. Mary Ainsworth expanded Bowlby’s attachment theory by devising the “Strange Situation” method to observe children’ behavior during episodes of repeated separation and reunion with their caregivers, and categorized into three distinct patterns of attachment: secure, avoidant, and resistant. A fourth attachment style, known as disorganized, was later proposed by Main and Solomon (1990). Despite the growing literature on attachment theory, a great number of questions about attachment theory remain unanswered. Ethical issues, limitations, and questions of early attachment studies, as well as future directions in attachment theory research, are discussed.

John Bowlby gave an evolutionary perspective of early human relationships. He believed children who form an attachment to an adult are more likely to survive. An attachment is when an infant endures a socioemotional relationship with their caregivers, and usually develops by eight or nine months of age. A study using a procedure known as the Strange Situation, has helped Mary Ainsworth and other researchers discover four primary types of attachment relationships. The results were based on the infant’s reaction to separation and reunion with the mother.

The following examples of attachment styles are a result of controlled studies which were conducted in a laboratory environment. The theories that unfolded, as a result of these studies, were pioneered by John Bowlby in the 1950s. Later, in the mid-1960s, Mary Ainsworth, a student of Bowlby, conducted further studies to help solidify theories of attachment between mother and child. These classic sets of experiments are referred to at the Strange Situation and continue to be used today to help us understand the bonds that are created and how they may predict future behaviors.

The issue of attachment is one that influences an individual throughout their life, affecting many aspects of their development. It is first formed during infancy between the child and their primary care giver and is maintained over the course of their lifespan. The level of attachment that is formed during infancy creates a foundation for psychological development in the course of the individual’s life (Santrock, 2013). Attachment security can be an indication of the quality of an individual’s future relationships, as well as challenges that may arise from such interactions. The following will discuss the attachment theory, biological influences of attachment, factors that contribute to the type of attachment formed during infancy and early childhood, and its impact and complications throughout each stage of development from infancy through late adulthood.