What is Attachment?

Attachment is term used to describe the emotional bond to another person, particularly the Attachments Children have with their main caregivers or parents. Psychologist John Bowlby was the first attachment theorist, describing attachment as a "lasting psychological connectedness between human beings" Bowlby believed that the earliest bonds formed by children with their caregivers have a tremendous impact that continues throughout life.

According to Bowlby, attachment also serves to keep the infant close to the mother or main caregiver, thus improving the child's chances of survival.  The central theme of attachment theory is that mothers who are available and responsive to their infant's needs establish a sense of security. The infant knows that the caregiver is dependable, which creates a secure base for the child to then explore the world.

Paul Parkin an experienced, qualified Attachment Counsellor and Life Coach has studied Attachment and the resulting behaviours of the different types of Attachment. Paul offers Online, Confidential help and support to clients around the world using MSN Messenger or private chat platforms accessed within theis website.  

The type of Attachment we had as a child has a direct link with how able we are to feel comfortable in a Relationship with significant others, Partners, Parents and ourselves, Attachment has an impact on making the right Relationship choices and to a large degree, how happy we can feel as individuals and as adults in all of our close relationships.

Characteristics of Attachment                               

Safe Haven: When the child feels threatened or afraid, he or she can return to the caregiver for comfort and soothing.

Secure Base: The caregiver provides a secure and dependable base for the child to explore the world.

Proximity Maintenance: The child strives to stay near the caregiver, thus keeping the child safe.

Separation Distress: When separated from the caregiver, the child will become upset and distressed.

Further Research "Strange Situation"

In her 1970's research, psychologist Mary Ainsworth expanded greatly upon Bowlby's original work. Her groundbreaking "Strange Situation" study revealed the profound effects of attachment on behavior. In the study, researchers observed children between the ages of 12 and 18 months as they responded to a situation in which they were briefly left alone and then reunited with their mothers.

Based upon the responses the researchers observed, Ainsworth described three major styles of attachment: secure attachment, ambivalent-insecure attachment, and avoidant-insecure attachment. Later, researchers Main and Solomon (1986) added a fourth attachment style called disorganized-insecure attachment based upon their own research.

A number of studies since that time have supported Ainsworth’s attachment styles and have indicated that attachment styles also have an impact on behaviors later in life. It is now accepted that our early childhood relationships have a direct link to our ability to function in adult relationships.

Characteristics of Attachment

Characteristics of Secure Attachment

• Securely attached children exhibit minimal distress when separated from caregivers. Remember, these children feel secure and able to depend on their adult caregivers. When the adult leaves, the child feels assured that the parent or caregiver will return.
• When frightened, securely attached children will seek comfort from caregivers. These children know their parent or caregiver will provide comfort and reassurance, so they are comfortable seeking them out in times of need.

Characteristics of Ambivalent Attachment

• Ambivalently attached children usually become very distressed when a parent leaves. This attachment style is considered relatively uncommon, affecting an estimated 7-15% of U.S. children. Research suggests that ambivalent attachment is a result of poor maternal availability. These children cannot depend on their mother (or caregiver) to be there when the child is in need.

Characteristics of Avoidant Attachment

• Children with an avoidant attachment tend to avoid parents or caregivers. When offered a choice, these children will show no preference between a caregiver and a complete stranger. Research has suggested that this attachment style might be a result of abusive or neglectful caregivers. Children who are punished for relying on a caregiver will learn to avoid seeking help in the future.

Problems with Attachment

What happens to children who do not form secure attachments? Research suggests that failure to form secure attachments early in life can have a negative impact on behavior in later childhood and throughout adult life.

Children diagnosed with oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently display attachment problems, possibly due to early abuse, neglect, or trauma. Clinicians suggest that children adopted after the age of six months have a higher risk of problems with attachments.

While attachment styles displayed in adulthood are not necessarily the same as those seen in infancy, research suggests that early attachments can have a serious and lasting impact on later relationships. For example, those who are securely attached in childhood tend to have good Self-Esteem, strong romantic Relationships, and the ability to self-disclose to others.

For those who experienced unsatisfactory early attachments, committing to a loving, trusting relationship can be a challenge and can in some cases make it extremely difficult..

If you would like to explore your Attachment Type with a Qualified, Experienced Attachment Counsellor who can help you to make sense of your fears and feelings, please click here to book a session.